Pope Francis ' funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, and a viewing of his body will begin on Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica, days after the popular pontiff died of a stroke at age 88. He is currently lying in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household.

Cardinals met at the Vatican on Tuesday to schedule Francis' funeral and burial, plan the conclave to elect his successor and make other decisions about running the Catholic Church as world leaders and the ordinary faithful grieve the pontiff's death.

History's first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change. He last appeared in public on Sunday with an Easter blessing and popemobile tour through a cheering crowd in St. Peter's Square.

First images of pope's body released

They showed him in a wooden casket, in red vestments and his bishop's miter, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived.

The images were taken during a ritual to confirm the death, presided over by the camerlengo, or interim administrator of the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Two Swiss Guards stood at attention as Farrell blessed Francis with holy water, the pope's hands clasped around a rosary.

Pope Francis' body will lay in state on the main altar of the 16th century basilica, built over the traditional tomb of the apostle St. Peter. The Renaissance masterpiece is one of the largest Catholic basilicas in the world and is the centerpiece of Vatican City. Its grottoes contain the remains of popes past, and its vast marbled interior is home to some of the Vatican's greatest treasures -- including Michelangelo's "Pieta" sculpture and Gian Lorenzo Bernini's baldacchinio, the gilded canopy over the main altar.

Pope Julius II laid the first stone of the building on the site of a previous church on April 18, 1506. But it took over a century for work to be completed. In the 17th century, Bernini designed the great colonnade that encircles the piazza in front of the basilica, embracing all those who enter. The next pope will be introduced to the world from the loggia over the basilica entrance with the words "Habemus Papam" or "We have a pope."

Italy begins five days of mourning for Francis

The period of national mourning will run from Tuesday to Saturday. Ceremonies on Friday marking Italy's World War II Liberation Day will be held with "due sobriety," said Italy's Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci.

Palestinians in Bethlehem mourn Pope Francis at Manger Square

Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity, where Christians believe Jesus was born. Pope Francis visited the city in 2014.

"He was our pope, not just our pope, he was our brother, our friend, our dear friend for Bethlehem. He always gave us big hope, he told us that you are not alone," said Rony Tabash, 43. The Catholic hung photos of Pope Francis outside his souvenir shop that's been in his family for three generations.

Manger Square and Tuesday's mass were mostly empty. The Palestinian city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is dependent on tourism, but visitors and pilgrims have largely stayed away in recent years — first during the pandemic and then during the 18-month war in Gaza.

Work is underway to prepare Francis' tomb

A wooden barrier on Tuesday covered the niche where Pope Francis will be buried in the Saint Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of Mary that he held dear, rather than St. Peter's Cathedral or its crypt alongside previous popes

In his will, Francis called for his tomb to be "in the ground; simple, without particular decoration, and with the sole inscription: Franciscus,'' or Latin for Francis.

Before and after every foreign trip, he would stop to pray before the image of Mary draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus. Francis last went to pray at the icon before Holy Week.

St. Peter's Basilica will stay open late so the faithful can pay their last respects to Pope Francis

Francis is currently lying in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household. The Vatican says his body will be transferred Wednesday morning to St. Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state from 11 a.m. until midnight on Wednesday, from 7 a.m. until midnight on Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Once in St. Peter's, his casket will not be put on an elevated bier — as was the case with past popes — but will just be be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby. The basilica is normally open from 7 a.m. until 7:10 p.m.

Security increased in Rome as holy city prepares for crowds

Italian police patrolled St Peter's Square and the surrounding streets on foot and horseback Tuesday as security in Rome was tightened ahead of Pope Francis' funeral. Officers in boats controlled the nearby Tiber River.

Tens of thousands of mourners are expected to pay their respects to Francis as he lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica starting Wednesday. The funeral on Saturday will be attended by many heads of state.

Rome was already packed with tourists, many in the city for the Easter holiday. A Jubilee Mass for adolescents on Sunday is expected to bring thousands of youths to the city.

Day of national mourning in Poland

Poland has declared a day of national mourning on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis.

The office of President Andrzej Duda also said that Duda plans to attend the ceremony.

Poland was the homeland of Pope John Paul II, whose death in 2005 prompted a national outpouring of grief. But the response has been more muted this time in a country that has become noticeably more secular.

Cardinals suspend all upcoming beatifications

The cardinals planning the next steps for the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis have decided to suspend all upcoming beatifications, pending the election of a new pope.

The decision was taken during the first meeting of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday.

The Vatican had already announced that Sunday's planned canonization of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, was suspended. But the decision from the cardinals means all other celebrations are on hold until a new pope is elected.

The decision is in keeping with Vatican norms governing the "interregnum" period between the death of one pope and the election of another. Among other things, those norms call for most top Vatican officials to officially lose their jobs until they are reconfirmed or replaced by a new pope.

Crowds wait in line to offer condolences in Jakarta

At Jakarta's Apostolic Nunciature, the official diplomatic mission of the Holy See in Indonesia, crowds gathered in the rain on Tuesday to offer their condolences over the death of the pope.

A somber atmosphere filled the Nunciature as Catholics quietly recited prayers and waited in line to write their condolence messages and meet the Apostolic Nuncio, the Vatican's permanent diplomatic representative.

"I would like to express my condolences to the Nuncio and pray from this place since we are experiencing limitations in coming to the Vatican," Heri Wibowo, a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Jakarta, said.

He remembered Pope Francis as a humble figure, a quality the pontiff exemplified during his visit in September 2024 to Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population.

One worshipper, Claudia, 23, who attended the Nunciature with her relatives, said Pope Francis was a father who offered inspiration.

"I am honestly very surprised since he still gave blessings on Easter to us, people all over the world. When I heard the news (of his death) I felt very sad," Claudia said.

Cardinals meet in wake of pope's death

The Vatican says around 60 cardinals participated in the first meeting to decide next steps following the death of Pope Francis.

They decided that ordinary faithful can pay their respects starting when the casket is moved into St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, and set Saturday for the funeral and burial.

The cardinals haven't set a date for the conclave to elect Francis' successor, but the current norms suggest it couldn't begin before May 5.

Three cardinals were chosen to help the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, administer the Vatican during the "interregnum" period before the election of a new pope.

Those cardinals are the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Polish Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, archpriest of the St. Mary Major basilica where Francis will be buried, and Cardinal Fabbio Baggio, a top official in the Vatican's development and migrants office.

They will be replaced after three days with another three cardinals to help the interim Vatican administrator.

China expresses condolences for pope who made effort to mend Beijing-Vatican rift

China expressed condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, who reached out to Beijing in an effort to improve relations and mend a seven-decade rift between a state-recognized Catholic church and an underground church loyal to Rome.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: "China is ready to work with the Vatican side to continue the improvement of China-Vatican ties."

The country's Catholic community was divided when the Communist Party came to power and claimed the right to name bishops without consulting the Vatican.

In 2018, Francis's Vatican brokered a deal with China that granted Rome's approval to the bishops Beijing had picked. The provisional agreement was renewed in October 2024.

Pope Francis' funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals.

The cardinals have also decided that the public viewing of Pope Francis will begin Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica, after his casket is taken by procession from the Vatican hotel where he lived.

The master of liturgical ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, issued the rubrics for the procession by mandate of the College of Cardinals, which met Tuesday to take the first decisions following Francis' death. Presiding over the procession and the ritual transfer will be the camerlengo, or interim administrator of the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Filipinos remember a pope who cared for the sick and survivors of natural disasters

Hundreds of Filipinos, some openly weeping, gathered for a mass at the Manila Cathedral on Tuesday to bid goodbye to the late pope, whom they remember for his outreach to the poor and survivors of natural disasters, which often devastate their country.

"He's a rare progressive pope, who took up a lot of causes and showed a deep concern for the poor," said Cynthia Esquilona, a 50-year-old mother of two who lit a candle and prayed before a portrait of Francis at the cathedral.

Another worshipper, Conchita Mil, quietly wept as she sat in a pew and thanked Francis for dedicating his papacy to the needy and the sick. Mil, 69, said she has breast cancer.

Francis visited the Philippines, a Catholic bastion in Asia, in early 2015 to console survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which left thousands of people dead. Pictures showing him rain-soaked in stormy weather but constantly waving and blowing kisses to crowds of typhoon survivors have left a lasting impression.

Australian candidates cancel campaign events

Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton cancelled campaign events planned for Tuesday out of respect for the late pontiff, as early voting began for a May 3 general election.

Flags were flown at half staff from government buildings across the country where a 2021 census found 20% of the population were Catholics.

Albanese was raised as a Catholic but chose to be sworn in as prime minister when he was elected in 2022 by making a secular affirmation rather than by taking an oath on a Bible.

Albanese attended a Mass in honor of the pope in Melbourne's St. Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday morning.

"I try not to talk about my faith in public," Albanese told reporters, but added "At times like this, I think what people do is they draw on who they are and certainly my Catholicism is just a part of me."

Dutton, who was raised by a Catholic father and Protestant mother and attended an Anglican school, planned to go to a church service in Sydney.

"I don't think it's a day for overt politicking at all. I think that the day is best spent reflecting," Dutton told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The Indian flag flew at half-staff on Tuesday at all government buildings as the country observed three days of mourning as a mark of the respect for Pope Francis.

The Indian flag will be flown half-staff on government buildings across the country for the next two days, as well as on the day of the pontiff's funeral, the Home Ministry said in a statement.

Taiwan's Catholics remember Francis

Members of Taiwan's Catholic community gathered at a church in the capital Taipei for a somber mass as believers prayed and reflected on Francis' spiritual legacy.

Former Premier Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic who visited the Vatican multiple times at the invitition of Francis and previous popes, spoke of the deep loss felt by the faithful.

Chen said "Pope Francis has led all of our churches to thrive over the past 12 years, making significant contributions to world peace and environmental sustainability," Chen added. "We will remember the teachings he gave us: that we are all brothers and that loving one another makes the world a more peaceful place."

Bernard Li, former president of Fu Jen Catholic University, highlighted the pope's compassion and dedication to humanitarian causes.

"He was a compassionate pope who has consistently advocated for world peace and racial equality," Li said.

President Lai Ching-te ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday in a show of mourning and respect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745322515811.png" alt="The body of Pope Francis laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)" />
 <figcaption>The body of Pope Francis laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)</figcaption>
 </figure>Pope Francis ' funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, and a viewing of his body will begin on Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica, days after the popular pontiff died of a stroke at age 88. He is currently lying in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household.Cardinals met at the Vatican on Tuesday to schedule Francis' funeral and burial, plan the conclave to elect his successor and make other decisions about running the Catholic Church as world leaders and the ordinary faithful grieve the pontiff's death.History's first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change. He last appeared in public on Sunday with an Easter blessing and popemobile tour through a cheering crowd in St. Peter's Square.Here's the latest:First images of pope's body releasedThey showed him in a wooden casket, in red vestments and his bishop's miter, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived.The images were taken during a ritual to confirm the death, presided over by the camerlengo, or interim administrator of the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.Two Swiss Guards stood at attention as Farrell blessed Francis with holy water, the pope's hands clasped around a rosary.What is St. Peter's Basilica?Pope Francis' body will lay in state on the main altar of the 16th century basilica, built over the traditional tomb of the apostle St. Peter. The Renaissance masterpiece is one of the largest Catholic basilicas in the world and is the centerpiece of Vatican City. Its grottoes contain the remains of popes past, and its vast marbled interior is home to some of the Vatican's greatest treasures -- including Michelangelo's "Pieta" sculpture and Gian Lorenzo Bernini's baldacchinio, the gilded canopy over the main altar.Pope Julius II laid the first stone of the building on the site of a previous church on April 18, 1506. But it took over a century for work to be completed. In the 17th century, Bernini designed the great colonnade that encircles the piazza in front of the basilica, embracing all those who enter. The next pope will be introduced to the world from the loggia over the basilica entrance with the words "Habemus Papam" or "We have a pope."Italy begins five days of mourning for FrancisThe period of national mourning will run from Tuesday to Saturday. Ceremonies on Friday marking Italy's World War II Liberation Day will be held with "due sobriety," said Italy's Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci.Palestinians in Bethlehem mourn Pope Francis at Manger SquareBethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity, where Christians believe Jesus was born. Pope Francis visited the city in 2014."He was our pope, not just our pope, he was our brother, our friend, our dear friend for Bethlehem. He always gave us big hope, he told us that you are not alone," said Rony Tabash, 43. The Catholic hung photos of Pope Francis outside his souvenir shop that's been in his family for three generations.Manger Square and Tuesday's mass were mostly empty. The Palestinian city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is dependent on tourism, but visitors and pilgrims have largely stayed away in recent years — first during the pandemic and then during the 18-month war in Gaza.Work is underway to prepare Francis' tombA wooden barrier on Tuesday covered the niche where Pope Francis will be buried in the Saint Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of Mary that he held dear, rather than St. Peter's Cathedral or its crypt alongside previous popesIn his will, Francis called for his tomb to be "in the ground; simple, without particular decoration, and with the sole inscription: Franciscus,'' or Latin for Francis.Before and after every foreign trip, he would stop to pray before the image of Mary draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus. Francis last went to pray at the icon before Holy Week.St. Peter's Basilica will stay open late so the faithful can pay their last respects to Pope FrancisFrancis is currently lying in state in the Santa Marta Domus in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household. The Vatican says his body will be transferred Wednesday morning to St. Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state from 11 a.m. until midnight on Wednesday, from 7 a.m. until midnight on Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.Once in St. Peter's, his casket will not be put on an elevated bier — as was the case with past popes — but will just be be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby. The basilica is normally open from 7 a.m. until 7:10 p.m.Security increased in Rome as holy city prepares for crowdsItalian police patrolled St Peter's Square and the surrounding streets on foot and horseback Tuesday as security in Rome was tightened ahead of Pope Francis' funeral. Officers in boats controlled the nearby Tiber River.Tens of thousands of mourners are expected to pay their respects to Francis as he lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica starting Wednesday. The funeral on Saturday will be attended by many heads of state.Rome was already packed with tourists, many in the city for the Easter holiday. A Jubilee Mass for adolescents on Sunday is expected to bring thousands of youths to the city.Day of national mourning in PolandPoland has declared a day of national mourning on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis.The office of President Andrzej Duda also said that Duda plans to attend the ceremony.Poland was the homeland of Pope John Paul II, whose death in 2005 prompted a national outpouring of grief. But the response has been more muted this time in a country that has become noticeably more secular.Cardinals suspend all upcoming beatificationsThe cardinals planning the next steps for the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis have decided to suspend all upcoming beatifications, pending the election of a new pope.The decision was taken during the first meeting of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday.The Vatican had already announced that Sunday's planned canonization of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, was suspended. But the decision from the cardinals means all other celebrations are on hold until a new pope is elected.The decision is in keeping with Vatican norms governing the "interregnum" period between the death of one pope and the election of another. Among other things, those norms call for most top Vatican officials to officially lose their jobs until they are reconfirmed or replaced by a new pope.Crowds wait in line to offer condolences in JakartaAt Jakarta's Apostolic Nunciature, the official diplomatic mission of the Holy See in Indonesia, crowds gathered in the rain on Tuesday to offer their condolences over the death of the pope.A somber atmosphere filled the Nunciature as Catholics quietly recited prayers and waited in line to write their condolence messages and meet the Apostolic Nuncio, the Vatican's permanent diplomatic representative."I would like to express my condolences to the Nuncio and pray from this place since we are experiencing limitations in coming to the Vatican," Heri Wibowo, a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Jakarta, said.He remembered Pope Francis as a humble figure, a quality the pontiff exemplified during his visit in September 2024 to Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population.One worshipper, Claudia, 23, who attended the Nunciature with her relatives, said Pope Francis was a father who offered inspiration."I am honestly very surprised since he still gave blessings on Easter to us, people all over the world. When I heard the news (of his death) I felt very sad," Claudia said.Cardinals meet in wake of pope's deathThe Vatican says around 60 cardinals participated in the first meeting to decide next steps following the death of Pope Francis.They decided that ordinary faithful can pay their respects starting when the casket is moved into St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, and set Saturday for the funeral and burial.The cardinals haven't set a date for the conclave to elect Francis' successor, but the current norms suggest it couldn't begin before May 5.Three cardinals were chosen to help the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, administer the Vatican during the "interregnum" period before the election of a new pope.Those cardinals are the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Polish Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, archpriest of the St. Mary Major basilica where Francis will be buried, and Cardinal Fabbio Baggio, a top official in the Vatican's development and migrants office.They will be replaced after three days with another three cardinals to help the interim Vatican administrator.China expresses condolences for pope who made effort to mend Beijing-Vatican riftChina expressed condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, who reached out to Beijing in an effort to improve relations and mend a seven-decade rift between a state-recognized Catholic church and an underground church loyal to Rome.Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: "China is ready to work with the Vatican side to continue the improvement of China-Vatican ties."The country's Catholic community was divided when the Communist Party came to power and claimed the right to name bishops without consulting the Vatican.In 2018, Francis's Vatican brokered a deal with China that granted Rome's approval to the bishops Beijing had picked. The provisional agreement was renewed in October 2024.Vatican announces funeral plansPope Francis' funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals.The cardinals have also decided that the public viewing of Pope Francis will begin Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica, after his casket is taken by procession from the Vatican hotel where he lived.The master of liturgical ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, issued the rubrics for the procession by mandate of the College of Cardinals, which met Tuesday to take the first decisions following Francis' death. Presiding over the procession and the ritual transfer will be the camerlengo, or interim administrator of the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.Filipinos remember a pope who cared for the sick and survivors of natural disastersHundreds of Filipinos, some openly weeping, gathered for a mass at the Manila Cathedral on Tuesday to bid goodbye to the late pope, whom they remember for his outreach to the poor and survivors of natural disasters, which often devastate their country."He's a rare progressive pope, who took up a lot of causes and showed a deep concern for the poor," said Cynthia Esquilona, a 50-year-old mother of two who lit a candle and prayed before a portrait of Francis at the cathedral.Another worshipper, Conchita Mil, quietly wept as she sat in a pew and thanked Francis for dedicating his papacy to the needy and the sick. Mil, 69, said she has breast cancer.Francis visited the Philippines, a Catholic bastion in Asia, in early 2015 to console survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which left thousands of people dead. Pictures showing him rain-soaked in stormy weather but constantly waving and blowing kisses to crowds of typhoon survivors have left a lasting impression.Australian candidates cancel campaign eventsBoth Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton cancelled campaign events planned for Tuesday out of respect for the late pontiff, as early voting began for a May 3 general election.Flags were flown at half staff from government buildings across the country where a 2021 census found 20% of the population were Catholics.Albanese was raised as a Catholic but chose to be sworn in as prime minister when he was elected in 2022 by making a secular affirmation rather than by taking an oath on a Bible.Albanese attended a Mass in honor of the pope in Melbourne's St. Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday morning."I try not to talk about my faith in public," Albanese told reporters, but added "At times like this, I think what people do is they draw on who they are and certainly my Catholicism is just a part of me."Dutton, who was raised by a Catholic father and Protestant mother and attended an Anglican school, planned to go to a church service in Sydney."I don't think it's a day for overt politicking at all. I think that the day is best spent reflecting," Dutton told Australian Broadcasting Corp.India declares 3 days of mourningThe Indian flag flew at half-staff on Tuesday at all government buildings as the country observed three days of mourning as a mark of the respect for Pope Francis.The Indian flag will be flown half-staff on government buildings across the country for the next two days, as well as on the day of the pontiff's funeral, the Home Ministry said in a statement.Taiwan's Catholics remember FrancisMembers of Taiwan's Catholic community gathered at a church in the capital Taipei for a somber mass as believers prayed and reflected on Francis' spiritual legacy.Former Premier Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic who visited the Vatican multiple times at the invitition of Francis and previous popes, spoke of the deep loss felt by the faithful.Chen said "Pope Francis has led all of our churches to thrive over the past 12 years, making significant contributions to world peace and environmental sustainability," Chen added. "We will remember the teachings he gave us: that we are all brothers and that loving one another makes the world a more peaceful place."Bernard Li, former president of Fu Jen Catholic University, highlighted the pope's compassion and dedication to humanitarian causes."He was a compassionate pope who has consistently advocated for world peace and racial equality," Li said.President Lai Ching-te ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday in a show of mourning and respect.

Pope Francis lies in state ahead of his funeral

SEDGWICK COUNTY — An inmate accused in an attack on a Kansas jail deputy faces additional charges.

On Friday, 21-year-old James&nbsp;Chavez of Wichita, was charged with aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On April 14, a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns after an inmate identified as Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod.&nbsp; Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.

Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years is expected to fully recover and ihospitalized.s no longer&nbsp;

Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.

Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles.&nbsp; After reviewing the policy, the Sheriff’s Office removed this privilege.&nbsp;

“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said.&nbsp; Chavez remains in custody on a $150,000 bond and is due back in court April 24, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744743778023.png" alt="Chavez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Chavez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — An inmate accused in an attack on a Kansas jail deputy faces additional charges.On Friday, 21-year-old James&nbsp;Chavez of Wichita, was charged with aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On April 14, a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns after an inmate identified as Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod.&nbsp; Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years is expected to fully recover and ihospitalized.s no longer&nbsp;Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles.&nbsp; After reviewing the policy, the Sheriff’s Office removed this privilege.&nbsp;“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said.&nbsp; Chavez remains in custody on a $150,000 bond and is due back in court April 24, according to the district attorney's office.

New charges in boiling water attack on Kan. deputy

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas City suburb rose to the top in a major e-commerce company’s nationwide search for a new hub through hefty &nbsp;incentives.

Fortune 500 company Fiserv plans to open a new location in Overland Park, the Kansas governor’s office announced Monday, touting the addition of 2,000 jobs and a 10-year, $6.5 billion economic impact. The state is offering millions in incentives.

Gov. Laura Kelly’s office called the deal the largest office recruitment in the state’s history.

Frank Bisignano, chairman and CEO of Fiserv, said the planned Overland Park hub is an opportunity to expand the company’s footprint in the United States and foster innovation in the financial services field on behalf of its clients.

“The greater Kansas City metro area offers a dynamic environment with a growing population of tech talent, making it the ideal location for Fiserv’s next strategic fintech hub,” he said.

State incentives totaling nearly $155 million over 10 years reward Fiserv with tax credits for above-average wages, a payroll tax withholding refund for creating jobs, relocation funds for out-of-state employees, a job creation award, personal property tax and sales tax abatements, and workforce recruitment assistance.

For every one-dollar investment in state incentives, $21.22 will be added to Kansas’ gross domestic product,&nbsp;said Patrick Lowry, a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“These are high-value jobs to help keep more graduates of Kansas colleges and universities remain in Kansas,” he said.

Fiserv has committed $175 million for the project, according to Lowry.

The company’s announcement came less than a week after Overland Park’s Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee unanimously gave preliminary approval to a property tax rebate program for “Project Turtle,” which has been connected to Fiserv.

The Overland Park City Council is set to take up the issue Monday, but the project has already earned Mayor Curt Skoog’s unofficial approval.

“This is the biggest job-creating project that we’ve worked on in my time,” he said at the economic development committee’s Wednesday meeting.

In Skoog’s 20 years of involvement with the city, he said, he has witnessed significant growth successes and attractive additions to the community

“But this one is a really, really amazing win for us,” he said.

If approved, Project Turtle would receive a rebate on city, county and Blue Valley Recreation Commission property taxes. The company would pay full property taxes to the Blue Valley School District and Johnson County Community College levies.

Under the rebate agreement, taxes will be paid, and then the company would submit an application to the city to be reimbursed for about 40% of those taxes, or an estimated $1.3 million over 10 years of the company’s 15-year lease.

But the rebate is contingent on meeting certain conditions.

Those conditions include a $125 million investment in renovations and improvements and maintaining 2,000 full-time employees by 2030. The governor’s office said those employees will earn an average salary of $102,000 annually. The state anticipates Fiserv will contribute up to $4 billion in payroll investment over the next decade.

&nbsp;The company also would be required to participate in community engagement, invest in memberships with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Overland Park Economic Development Council, and commit to using Overland Park hotels and facilities for conventions and meetings.

The economic development committee liked the idea of reusing existing space and increasing the long-term property value at the 200-acre Aspiria campus, which was considered at one point as a new location for the Kansas City Royals. After Sprint sold the campus in 2019, it was envisioned as a live-work-play environment tailored to businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s one of the largest corporate campuses in the U.S., second only to Microsoft’s campus in Washington state.

Fiserv is expected to lease two buildings on the campus, totaling 427,000 square feet.

The tax incentives are an “important component” of the deal, said Alex Leath, an Alabama attorney with the international law firm Bradley Arant who helped bring Panasonic to De Soto.

The Kansas City area wasn’t initially a contender for Fiserv, Leath said.

“What I saw first and foremost — what I do see — is the quality of the people, the work ethic of the people,” Leath told the economic development committee. “This is a company that expects people to be in the office five days a week, … and Kansans struck me as people who would enjoy that, or embrace that.”

Overland Park beat out Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta and the South Florida area in the company’s search.

Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids lauded the deal.

“Kansas continues to attract top-tier businesses, and I look forward to welcoming Fiserv to Overland Park,” Moran said.

The governor said the new hub is making good on her administration’s promise to “modernize and diversify” the state’s economy.

“Fiserv’s new strategic hub in Overland Park is a significant step forward as we continue to elevate Kansas to new heights,” Kelly said. “Fiserv will create high-value career options, including opportunities for military personnel transitioning to civilian life and graduates of our higher education system.”

Fiserv chose Overland Park, the announcement said, because of its central location in the United States, proximity to clients in the Midwest, affordable cost of living and the opportunity to recruit talent in the tech field.

Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council, called the investment “monumental.”

He added: “And so is the Kansas City region’s ability to deliver.”

The Kansas City area has the capacity and competitiveness to rise to the occasion, he said, which he attributed to a “fast-growing tech sector,” a cache of talent and a prosperous, collaborative business community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745325511316.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly, pictured here with Lt. Gov. David Toland behind her in July 2022 after announcing the $4 billion Panasonic factory in De Soto, announced Monday the arrival of another major company in Kansas — Fiserv, which is expected to usher in 2,000 jobs in the next five years. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly, pictured here with Lt. Gov. David Toland behind her in July 2022 after announcing the $4 billion Panasonic factory in De Soto, announced Monday the arrival of another major company in Kansas — Fiserv, which is expected to usher in 2,000 jobs in the next five years. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas City suburb rose to the top in a major e-commerce company’s nationwide search for a new hub through hefty &nbsp;incentives.Fortune 500 company Fiserv plans to open a new location in Overland Park, the Kansas governor’s office announced Monday, touting the addition of 2,000 jobs and a 10-year, $6.5 billion economic impact. The state is offering millions in incentives.Gov. Laura Kelly’s office called the deal the largest office recruitment in the state’s history.Frank Bisignano, chairman and CEO of Fiserv, said the planned Overland Park hub is an opportunity to expand the company’s footprint in the United States and foster innovation in the financial services field on behalf of its clients.“The greater Kansas City metro area offers a dynamic environment with a growing population of tech talent, making it the ideal location for Fiserv’s next strategic fintech hub,” he said.State incentives totaling nearly $155 million over 10 years reward Fiserv with tax credits for above-average wages, a payroll tax withholding refund for creating jobs, relocation funds for out-of-state employees, a job creation award, personal property tax and sales tax abatements, and workforce recruitment assistance.For every one-dollar investment in state incentives, $21.22 will be added to Kansas’ gross domestic product,&nbsp;said Patrick Lowry, a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce.“These are high-value jobs to help keep more graduates of Kansas colleges and universities remain in Kansas,” he said.Fiserv has committed $175 million for the project, according to Lowry.The company’s announcement came less than a week after Overland Park’s Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee unanimously gave preliminary approval to a property tax rebate program for “Project Turtle,” which has been connected to Fiserv.The Overland Park City Council is set to take up the issue Monday, but the project has already earned Mayor Curt Skoog’s unofficial approval.“This is the biggest job-creating project that we’ve worked on in my time,” he said at the economic development committee’s Wednesday meeting.In Skoog’s 20 years of involvement with the city, he said, he has witnessed significant growth successes and attractive additions to the community“But this one is a really, really amazing win for us,” he said.If approved, Project Turtle would receive a rebate on city, county and Blue Valley Recreation Commission property taxes. The company would pay full property taxes to the Blue Valley School District and Johnson County Community College levies.Under the rebate agreement, taxes will be paid, and then the company would submit an application to the city to be reimbursed for about 40% of those taxes, or an estimated $1.3 million over 10 years of the company’s 15-year lease.But the rebate is contingent on meeting certain conditions.Those conditions include a $125 million investment in renovations and improvements and maintaining 2,000 full-time employees by 2030. The governor’s office said those employees will earn an average salary of $102,000 annually. The state anticipates Fiserv will contribute up to $4 billion in payroll investment over the next decade.&nbsp;The company also would be required to participate in community engagement, invest in memberships with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Overland Park Economic Development Council, and commit to using Overland Park hotels and facilities for conventions and meetings.The economic development committee liked the idea of reusing existing space and increasing the long-term property value at the 200-acre Aspiria campus, which was considered at one point as a new location for the Kansas City Royals. After Sprint sold the campus in 2019, it was envisioned as a live-work-play environment tailored to businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s one of the largest corporate campuses in the U.S., second only to Microsoft’s campus in Washington state.Fiserv is expected to lease two buildings on the campus, totaling 427,000 square feet.The tax incentives are an “important component” of the deal, said Alex Leath, an Alabama attorney with the international law firm Bradley Arant who helped bring Panasonic to De Soto.The Kansas City area wasn’t initially a contender for Fiserv, Leath said.“What I saw first and foremost — what I do see — is the quality of the people, the work ethic of the people,” Leath told the economic development committee. “This is a company that expects people to be in the office five days a week, … and Kansans struck me as people who would enjoy that, or embrace that.”Overland Park beat out Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta and the South Florida area in the company’s search.Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids lauded the deal.“Kansas continues to attract top-tier businesses, and I look forward to welcoming Fiserv to Overland Park,” Moran said.The governor said the new hub is making good on her administration’s promise to “modernize and diversify” the state’s economy.“Fiserv’s new strategic hub in Overland Park is a significant step forward as we continue to elevate Kansas to new heights,” Kelly said. “Fiserv will create high-value career options, including opportunities for military personnel transitioning to civilian life and graduates of our higher education system.”Fiserv chose Overland Park, the announcement said, because of its central location in the United States, proximity to clients in the Midwest, affordable cost of living and the opportunity to recruit talent in the tech field.Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council, called the investment “monumental.”He added: “And so is the Kansas City region’s ability to deliver.”The Kansas City area has the capacity and competitiveness to rise to the occasion, he said, which he attributed to a “fast-growing tech sector,” a cache of talent and a prosperous, collaborative business community.

Tax incentives, work ethic attract Fortune 500 company to Kansas

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in the Costco parking lot&nbsp;

In the Costco parking lot at 241 East Linwood, a pedestrian became involved in a verbal altercation and disturbance with the driver of a black Mercedes, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The pedestrian was hanging onto the Mercedes as the driver began to leave the scene. As the Mercedes was driving away, the pedestrian was knocked to the ground and run over by the vehicle.

The driver of the Mercedes left the scene without stopping. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in the Costco parking lot&nbsp;In the Costco parking lot at 241 East Linwood, a pedestrian became involved in a verbal altercation and disturbance with the driver of a black Mercedes, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The pedestrian was hanging onto the Mercedes as the driver began to leave the scene. As the Mercedes was driving away, the pedestrian was knocked to the ground and run over by the vehicle.The driver of the Mercedes left the scene without stopping. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp;

After verbal fight, shopper run over in Costco parking lot

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volvo XC9 driven by Lanae B. Taylor, 33, Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 235 in south Wichita.

The SUV crossed the median into the southbound lanes and struck a 2019 Ford F150 KHP motorist assist vehicle driven by Lyle E. Dewalt, 59, Andover, head-on.

EMS transported&nbsp;Taylor and passengers in the Volvo identified as Jaquellin D.&nbsp; Holland, 27, and Manuel I.&nbsp;Trujillo, 26, both of Wichita to St. Francis and Dewalt to Wesley Medical Center.

Trujillo was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745315768351.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volvo XC9 driven by Lanae B. Taylor, 33, Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 235 in south Wichita.The SUV crossed the median into the southbound lanes and struck a 2019 Ford F150 KHP motorist assist vehicle driven by Lyle E. Dewalt, 59, Andover, head-on.EMS transported&nbsp;Taylor and passengers in the Volvo identified as Jaquellin D.&nbsp; Holland, 27, and Manuel I.&nbsp;Trujillo, 26, both of Wichita to St. Francis and Dewalt to Wesley Medical Center.Trujillo was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

4 injured after crash with KHP motorist assist vehicle

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Topeka have identified the victim as 65-year-old Michael J. Ullman, the only resident of the home, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.

Just before 6a.m. Friday, crews responded to report of a house fire a 419 SE Rodgers Street in Topeka, according to Stahl.&nbsp; First arriving crews found smoke coming from the home and quickly extinguished the fire. During a search of the home, firefighters found Ullman deceased.. There were no other occupants of the home.

Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.&nbsp; The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to Stahl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744990133110.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the Friday morning fire-photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the Friday morning fire-photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Topeka have identified the victim as 65-year-old Michael J. Ullman, the only resident of the home, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.Just before 6a.m. Friday, crews responded to report of a house fire a 419 SE Rodgers Street in Topeka, according to Stahl.&nbsp; First arriving crews found smoke coming from the home and quickly extinguished the fire. During a search of the home, firefighters found Ullman deceased.. There were no other occupants of the home.Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.&nbsp; The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to Stahl.

Fire Marshal IDs man who died in Kansas house fire

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals have taken their first decisions following the death of Pope Francis, setting Saturday as the date for his funeral and allowing ordinary faithful to begin paying their final respects starting Wednesday, when his casket is brought into St. Peter’s Basilica.

The cardinals met for the first time Tuesday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world grieving history’s first Latin American pope.

The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend Saturday’s funeral Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.

Francis died Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke that put him in a coma and led his heart to fail. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia. He made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-easter-sunday-photos-4651ecd21edad5f77af0eb228144b4c5">his last public appearance</a>&nbsp;Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and making what would be his final greeting to followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter’s Square.

In retrospect, his Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the first pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a perfect bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.

“He gave himself to the end,” said Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the head of the Italian bishops’ conference and considered a possible contender to be next pope. “To go out to meet everyone, speak to everyone, teach us to speak to everyone, to bless everyone.”

The first images of Francis’ body were released Tuesday, showing him in the wooden casket, in red vestments and his bishop’s miter, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died.

In his final will, Francis confirmed he would be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, which is outside the Vatican and home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.

Francis stopped by the basilica on his way home from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, after his 38-day hospital stay, to deliver flowers to be placed before the icon. He returned April 12 to pray before the Madonna for the last time.

Bells tolled in chapels, churches and cathedrals around the world and flags flew at half staff in Italy, India, Taiwan and the U.S. after Francis’ death was announced by the Vatican camerlengo. Soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-soccer-san-lorenzo-b8687e9b67c05af7f0e7920af0fb942a">suspended</a>&nbsp;in honor of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-pope-francis-obit-milei-catholic-church-politics-b2b6058a734c6cbc728718d1c91372fa">Argentine pope</a>&nbsp;who was a lifelong fan of the San Lorenzo soccer club.

World leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-reaction-78ef38471b2560d74a1e25cbd31cbc7e">praised Francis</a>&nbsp;for his moral leadership and compassion, while ordinary faithful remembered his simplicity and humanity.

“Like every Argentine, I think he was a rebel,” said 23-year-old Catalina Favaro, who had come to pay her respects in the Buenos Aires church where Francis discovered his priestly vocation. “He may have been contradictory, but that was nice, too.”

In East Timor, where Francis’ final outdoor Mass drew nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-asia-east-timor-john-paul-ii-8a12d6cfa771b2603d1044afd4ac68a8">half of the population</a>&nbsp;last September, President Jose Ramos-Horta praised Francis’ courage. “Papa Francisco was a brave man who was not afraid to speak out against the rulers of the world who seek war, but do not want to seek peace,” Ramos-Horta said.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect for future generations,” said Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who is Muslim. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and has around 30 million Catholics, representing about 14% of the total population.

The pope’s formal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and in the Santa Marta hotel were sealed Monday evening, following a centuries-old ritual. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-kevin-farrell-camerlengo-d539db6e09be52a76669dc7f7ac63fd8">as camerlengo</a>&nbsp;had the task of announcing the death and confirming it once the cause was determined, presided over the rituals.

Francis chose not to live in the palace, though, but in a two-room suite in Santa Marta on the other side of Vatican City. He died there and his body was transferred to the hotel chapel in the lobby, where the private viewing was being held Tuesday for Vatican officials and members of the pontifical household.

In changes made by Francis last year, his body was not placed in three wooden coffins, as it had been for previous popes. Rather, Francis was placed in a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc coffin inside.

Once in St. Peter’s, his coffin will not be put on an elevated bier but will just be be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby.

“He was a pope who didn’t change his path when it came to getting dirty,” Francis’ vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, said in a Mass in his honor. “For him, poor people and migrants were the sacrament of Jesus.”

After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali.” During this period, cardinals arrive in Rome and meet privately before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/papal-succession-plan-what-happens-798029dfb83f4c03b61de5d9cf6945ff">the conclave</a>.

To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15-20 days after the “sede vacante” — the “vacant See” — is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

Once the conclave begins, cardinals vote in secret sessions in the Sistine Chapel. After voting sessions, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been elected, while white smoke indicates that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.

The one who has secured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/next-pope-contenders-list-101d68d61be2401a85310e34b45371a9">two-thirds of the votes</a>&nbsp;wins. If he accepts, his election is announced by a cardinal from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica who tells the world “Habemus Papam,” Latin for “We have a pope.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745316464619.jpeg" alt="A Catholic nun of the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Saint Teresa, prays as a portrait of Pope Francis, placed over the saint's tomb following his death, in Kolkata, India, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)" />
 <figcaption>A Catholic nun of the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Saint Teresa, prays as a portrait of Pope Francis, placed over the saint's tomb following his death, in Kolkata, India, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals have taken their first decisions following the death of Pope Francis, setting Saturday as the date for his funeral and allowing ordinary faithful to begin paying their final respects starting Wednesday, when his casket is brought into St. Peter’s Basilica.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745322565144.png" alt="The late Pope Francis' body lies in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta-photo Vatican News Service" />
 <figcaption>The late Pope Francis' body lies in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta-photo Vatican News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The cardinals met for the first time Tuesday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world grieving history’s first Latin American pope.The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend Saturday’s funeral Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.Francis died Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke that put him in a coma and led his heart to fail. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia. He made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-easter-sunday-photos-4651ecd21edad5f77af0eb228144b4c5">his last public appearance</a>&nbsp;Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and making what would be his final greeting to followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter’s Square.In retrospect, his Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the first pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a perfect bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.“He gave himself to the end,” said Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the head of the Italian bishops’ conference and considered a possible contender to be next pope. “To go out to meet everyone, speak to everyone, teach us to speak to everyone, to bless everyone.”The first images of Francis’ body were released Tuesday, showing him in the wooden casket, in red vestments and his bishop’s miter, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died.In his final will, Francis confirmed he would be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, which is outside the Vatican and home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.Francis stopped by the basilica on his way home from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, after his 38-day hospital stay, to deliver flowers to be placed before the icon. He returned April 12 to pray before the Madonna for the last time.<h2>The world reacts</h2>Bells tolled in chapels, churches and cathedrals around the world and flags flew at half staff in Italy, India, Taiwan and the U.S. after Francis’ death was announced by the Vatican camerlengo. Soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-soccer-san-lorenzo-b8687e9b67c05af7f0e7920af0fb942a">suspended</a>&nbsp;in honor of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-pope-francis-obit-milei-catholic-church-politics-b2b6058a734c6cbc728718d1c91372fa">Argentine pope</a>&nbsp;who was a lifelong fan of the San Lorenzo soccer club.World leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-reaction-78ef38471b2560d74a1e25cbd31cbc7e">praised Francis</a>&nbsp;for his moral leadership and compassion, while ordinary faithful remembered his simplicity and humanity.“Like every Argentine, I think he was a rebel,” said 23-year-old Catalina Favaro, who had come to pay her respects in the Buenos Aires church where Francis discovered his priestly vocation. “He may have been contradictory, but that was nice, too.”In East Timor, where Francis’ final outdoor Mass drew nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-asia-east-timor-john-paul-ii-8a12d6cfa771b2603d1044afd4ac68a8">half of the population</a>&nbsp;last September, President Jose Ramos-Horta praised Francis’ courage. “Papa Francisco was a brave man who was not afraid to speak out against the rulers of the world who seek war, but do not want to seek peace,” Ramos-Horta said.“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect for future generations,” said Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who is Muslim. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and has around 30 million Catholics, representing about 14% of the total population.<h2>Viewing the pope’s coffin</h2>The pope’s formal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and in the Santa Marta hotel were sealed Monday evening, following a centuries-old ritual. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-kevin-farrell-camerlengo-d539db6e09be52a76669dc7f7ac63fd8">as camerlengo</a>&nbsp;had the task of announcing the death and confirming it once the cause was determined, presided over the rituals.Francis chose not to live in the palace, though, but in a two-room suite in Santa Marta on the other side of Vatican City. He died there and his body was transferred to the hotel chapel in the lobby, where the private viewing was being held Tuesday for Vatican officials and members of the pontifical household.In changes made by Francis last year, his body was not placed in three wooden coffins, as it had been for previous popes. Rather, Francis was placed in a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc coffin inside.Once in St. Peter’s, his coffin will not be put on an elevated bier but will just be be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby.“He was a pope who didn’t change his path when it came to getting dirty,” Francis’ vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, said in a Mass in his honor. “For him, poor people and migrants were the sacrament of Jesus.”<h2>Choosing the next pope</h2>After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali.” During this period, cardinals arrive in Rome and meet privately before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/papal-succession-plan-what-happens-798029dfb83f4c03b61de5d9cf6945ff">the conclave</a>.To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15-20 days after the “sede vacante” — the “vacant See” — is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.Once the conclave begins, cardinals vote in secret sessions in the Sistine Chapel. After voting sessions, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been elected, while white smoke indicates that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.The one who has secured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/next-pope-contenders-list-101d68d61be2401a85310e34b45371a9">two-thirds of the votes</a>&nbsp;wins. If he accepts, his election is announced by a cardinal from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica who tells the world “Habemus Papam,” Latin for “We have a pope.”___

Cardinals set date for Pope Francis’ funeral, public viewing 

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — Four House Democrats have traveled to El Salvador to call attention to the plight of a man the Trump administration deported to a Salvadoran prison and has refused to help return — even after the Supreme Court ruled that it was the government's duty to do so.

Reps. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Maxwell Frost of Florida and Robert Garcia of California arrived Sunday in the Central American nation to investigate the condition of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>, who had lived in the United States for more than a decade. The Trump administration deported him, a move that administration officials have said in court filings was done in error.

But despite a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the Trump administration to help facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, the administration has said it has no power to bring him back, a position being scrutinized by federal courts as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kilmar-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-trump-deported-e537cfb69a9840046b5d3e512509e9a8">potentially in violation of judicial rulings</a>.

In a news conference Monday in El Salvador's capital, the Democratic representatives and Abrego Garcia's lawyer said they were in El Salvador “demanding his safe return home." The group said they hoped to continue to pressure authorities for his release, and that their petition to meet with Abrego Garcia was denied.

"Part of what the Trump administration does is they do so much that they try to make sure people forget — forget about them breaking the law, forget about them completely ignoring the Supreme Court," Frost said. “We’re not going to be the last members of Congress and senators that are here to make sure that he’s released and that our country is following our laws.”

The quartet’s trip comes after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/van-hollen-democrats-trump-resistance-abrego-garcia-084ab2c9691accd1e79b3c956f68d058">Chris Van Hollen of Maryland</a>&nbsp;traveled to El Salvador last week and met with Abrego Garcia and Salvadoran officials. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland with his wife and three children, who are American citizens, before he was deported on March 15.

Abrego Garcia's protected legal status prohibited him from being deported to El Salvador. He was deported on one of three planes filled with migrants accused of being gang members.

Frost said the four representatives were in El Salvador to “build off the work” of Van Hollen and that they were inquiring about where Abrego Garcia was being held and under what conditions.

Chris Newman, a lawyer representing the deportee, added that his primary concerns was Abrego Garcia's access to counsel.

“We know nothing of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts since the staged photo op on Thursday with Senator Van Hollen,” Newman said. "We demand to immediately know where he is and to have access to him."

The White House press office issued a statement Monday that said the past week “has shown Americans everything they need to know about Democrats’ priorities.”

The White House accused the representatives of "picking up their party’s mantle of prioritizing a deported illegal immigrant MS-13 gang member over the Americans they represent.”

Rep. Garcia said he and Frost sent a letter last week to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., requesting that an official delegation go to El Salvador to investigate Abrego Garcia's condition and push for his return, but received no response. Ansari said more Democrats would be traveling to El Salvador in the coming days and weeks.

Justice Department lawyers said in court last week that they have no power to advance Abrego Garcia’s return because he is in a foreign country’s custody. Administration officials also claimed in public comments that Abrego Garcia was engaged in human trafficking and terrorism and therefore correctly deported. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that if Abrego Garcia were to return to the U.S., “he would immediately be deported again.”

Van Hollen unsuccessfully lobbied the Salvadoran government for Abrego Garcia's return. He told NBC's “Meet the Press” on Sunday that the United States is facing a constitutional crisis if the Trump administration does not follow the Supreme Court's order to push to bring Abrego Garcia back.

It's a warning Democrats are increasingly amplifying. Rather than debate President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policy or the merits of the administration's invocation of national security to carry out deportations, Democratic lawmakers are zeroing in on the issue of due process, with some noting that the Supreme Court and lower court federal judges found Abrego Garcia was deported without a proper hearing.

Ansari said she finds it “extremely alarming” that Trump officials seem to have no regard for due process.

“Even with all of the illegal actions we’ve seen over the last couple of months, I think this is the one that terrifies me the most when it comes to the future of our democracy," she said in an interview.

Similar concerns were echoed by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who wrote in the court’s ruling in Abrego Garcia’s case: “The government’s argument, moreover, implies that it could deport and incarcerate any person, including U. S. citizens, without legal consequence, so long as it does so before a court can intervene."

Republicans have been going, too — for a different reason

Several House Republicans have visited El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, the prison where Abergo Garcia is being held, and lauded the facility for what they view as El Salvador's tough-on-crime policies. Republican senators and governors have defended Abrego Garcia's detention as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration. But at least one Republican senator called his deportation a mistake.

“The administration won’t admit it. But this was a screw-up,” said Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, on NBC's “Meet the Press.”

During a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office, Trump remarked that “homegrown” lawbreakers should be deported to prisons in the Central American country and urged Bukele to “build about five more places” like the notorious penitentiary where Abrego Garcia is being held.

Congressional Republicans have so far shown little interest in negotiating the dispute between the president and the judiciary. Democrats, who are in the minority in both chambers of Congress, have little leverage to pressure the White House. But Abrego Garcia's case has become both an alarming and galvanizing case inside the party.

Democrats "have the power to draw attention to this issue, to keep the pressure up," Ansari said. "That’s why you know some of us are going, and so many members will be going. Because this is about the future of our democracy and the future of due process as American citizens.”

Brown reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Megan Janetsky contributed to this report from Mexico City.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — Four House Democrats have traveled to El Salvador to call attention to the plight of a man the Trump administration deported to a Salvadoran prison and has refused to help return — even after the Supreme Court ruled that it was the government's duty to do so.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am in El Salvador because I will not stand by while our country is thrown into a constitutional crisis. This is a moment to act. I will not rest until due process is upheld for all. <a href="https://t.co/q5b4cZg3iV">pic.twitter.com/q5b4cZg3iV</a>&mdash; Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (@RepDexterOR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDexterOR/status/1914346370841903519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Reps. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Maxwell Frost of Florida and Robert Garcia of California arrived Sunday in the Central American nation to investigate the condition of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>, who had lived in the United States for more than a decade. The Trump administration deported him, a move that administration officials have said in court filings was done in error.But despite a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the Trump administration to help facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, the administration has said it has no power to bring him back, a position being scrutinized by federal courts as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kilmar-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-trump-deported-e537cfb69a9840046b5d3e512509e9a8">potentially in violation of judicial rulings</a>.In a news conference Monday in El Salvador's capital, the Democratic representatives and Abrego Garcia's lawyer said they were in El Salvador “demanding his safe return home." The group said they hoped to continue to pressure authorities for his release, and that their petition to meet with Abrego Garcia was denied."Part of what the Trump administration does is they do so much that they try to make sure people forget — forget about them breaking the law, forget about them completely ignoring the Supreme Court," Frost said. “We’re not going to be the last members of Congress and senators that are here to make sure that he’s released and that our country is following our laws.”<h2>The trip comes after one last week</h2>The quartet’s trip comes after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/van-hollen-democrats-trump-resistance-abrego-garcia-084ab2c9691accd1e79b3c956f68d058">Chris Van Hollen of Maryland</a>&nbsp;traveled to El Salvador last week and met with Abrego Garcia and Salvadoran officials. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland with his wife and three children, who are American citizens, before he was deported on March 15.Abrego Garcia's protected legal status prohibited him from being deported to El Salvador. He was deported on one of three planes filled with migrants accused of being gang members.Frost said the four representatives were in El Salvador to “build off the work” of Van Hollen and that they were inquiring about where Abrego Garcia was being held and under what conditions.Chris Newman, a lawyer representing the deportee, added that his primary concerns was Abrego Garcia's access to counsel.“We know nothing of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts since the staged photo op on Thursday with Senator Van Hollen,” Newman said. "We demand to immediately know where he is and to have access to him."The White House press office issued a statement Monday that said the past week “has shown Americans everything they need to know about Democrats’ priorities.”The White House accused the representatives of "picking up their party’s mantle of prioritizing a deported illegal immigrant MS-13 gang member over the Americans they represent.”Rep. Garcia said he and Frost sent a letter last week to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., requesting that an official delegation go to El Salvador to investigate Abrego Garcia's condition and push for his return, but received no response. Ansari said more Democrats would be traveling to El Salvador in the coming days and weeks.Justice Department lawyers said in court last week that they have no power to advance Abrego Garcia’s return because he is in a foreign country’s custody. Administration officials also claimed in public comments that Abrego Garcia was engaged in human trafficking and terrorism and therefore correctly deported. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that if Abrego Garcia were to return to the U.S., “he would immediately be deported again.”Van Hollen unsuccessfully lobbied the Salvadoran government for Abrego Garcia's return. He told NBC's “Meet the Press” on Sunday that the United States is facing a constitutional crisis if the Trump administration does not follow the Supreme Court's order to push to bring Abrego Garcia back.It's a warning Democrats are increasingly amplifying. Rather than debate President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policy or the merits of the administration's invocation of national security to carry out deportations, Democratic lawmakers are zeroing in on the issue of due process, with some noting that the Supreme Court and lower court federal judges found Abrego Garcia was deported without a proper hearing.Ansari said she finds it “extremely alarming” that Trump officials seem to have no regard for due process.“Even with all of the illegal actions we’ve seen over the last couple of months, I think this is the one that terrifies me the most when it comes to the future of our democracy," she said in an interview.Similar concerns were echoed by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who wrote in the court’s ruling in Abrego Garcia’s case: “The government’s argument, moreover, implies that it could deport and incarcerate any person, including U. S. citizens, without legal consequence, so long as it does so before a court can intervene."<h2>Republicans have been going, too — for a different reason</h2>Several House Republicans have visited El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, the prison where Abergo Garcia is being held, and lauded the facility for what they view as El Salvador's tough-on-crime policies. Republican senators and governors have defended Abrego Garcia's detention as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration. But at least one Republican senator called his deportation a mistake.“The administration won’t admit it. But this was a screw-up,” said Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, on NBC's “Meet the Press.”During a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office, Trump remarked that “homegrown” lawbreakers should be deported to prisons in the Central American country and urged Bukele to “build about five more places” like the notorious penitentiary where Abrego Garcia is being held.Congressional Republicans have so far shown little interest in negotiating the dispute between the president and the judiciary. Democrats, who are in the minority in both chambers of Congress, have little leverage to pressure the White House. But Abrego Garcia's case has become both an alarming and galvanizing case inside the party.Democrats "have the power to draw attention to this issue, to keep the pressure up," Ansari said. "That’s why you know some of us are going, and so many members will be going. Because this is about the future of our democracy and the future of due process as American citizens.”___Brown reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Megan Janetsky contributed to this report from Mexico City.

🎥More lawmakers visit El Salvador on Abrego Garcia's behalf

JOHNSON—A Kansas man accused in the killing of his wife and son made another court appearance in the case last week.

Todd M. Donovan, 53, plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and to cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney. Donovan is scheduled for sentencing July 21st.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730686002368.png" alt="Donovan photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Donovan photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON—A Kansas man accused in the killing of his wife and son made another court appearance in the case last week.Todd M. Donovan, 53, plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and to cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney. Donovan is scheduled for sentencing July 21st.Just before 8:30p.m. Nov. 1, police responded on the report of an armed disturbance at a home in the 7900 block of Hallet in the city of Lenexa, according to a media release. As officers arrived, they heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the residence.Lenexa officers spoke on the phone with the individual suspected of firing shots and learned 53-year-old Todd M. Donovan was inside his residence on Hallet.Donovan refused to comply with officer’s requests to come outside peacefully and the Lenexa Tactical Team and crisis negotiators responded on the barricade operation. Negotiators spoke with Donovan for nearly two hours before he discontinued dialogue.Just before 2a.m. the next morning, members of the Lenexa Tactical Team entered the residence and took Donovan into custody. He was taken to an area hospital due to a possible overdose.Officers located two individuals later identified as Donovan's wife 52-year-old Sheila Donovan and his son 22-year-old Tyler Donovan deceased inside the home. The preliminary investigation indicates that both were shot. As part of this investigation, it was also learned that a neighbor's dog was shot and killed around the same time that officers responded on the initial call.