Pope Francis regularly called a church in Gaza to ask how residents there were doing during the Israel-Hamas war. He is remembered as a defender and consoling presence.

The link between political developments in the Middle East and the theological and cultural exchange between Judaism and Christianity has always remained tight. Since Oct. 7, old ghosts have appeared — and ugly insinuations against the late Pope.

Cuba thaw and inked a deal with China on bishop appointments. His calls for peace and to fight climate change were not always heeded.

The Vatican said Friday some 150,000 mourners have filed past the body of Pope Francis, who is lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica.

When Pope Francis died, he was recovering at the Vatican after a five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia and other health issues.

After the pope suffered a massive stroke Monday morning, his medical team saw no point to sending him to a hospital. He died soon after.