Pope Francis and his 'complex legacy': Papers react to pontiff's death

Press Review

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PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, 22 April: The press are remembering the late Pope Francis in different ways: highlighting his dedication, calling him a "pope of the people" or focusing on his politics. His legacy is also discussed beyond the front pages. Finally, the papers discuss what happens next, and turn to Hollywood for a little inspiration.

The Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano has a front page announcing that Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. Unsurprisingly, the news makes the front pages of most papers around the world, where the pope is remembered in a number of ways. Le Figaro highlights Francis's dedication in his final days. There's a similar tone in Ireland, where the Irish Daily Star celebrates his Easter appearances over the weekend.

One term which features a lot in the English-language press is the "People's Pope", as seen in The Mirror. The Australian Herald Sun is also praising him as a "Pope of the People".

Other papers seem to be focusing more on his politics. The Philippine Daily Inquirer headlines with "A legacy of reform, humility, inclusion". The Times of Malta laments the "Death of a revolutionary". The French Paper La Croix, meanwhile, remembers Francis as a reformer who leaves a deep trace in the Church's history.

Beyond the front pages, the press is debating what exactly Francis's legacy might be. The Argentinian paper Clarin says his papacy will have been one of contradictions. Politico has a more critical view. They call it a dramatic papacy, frustrating for both conservatives and progressives. In France, Libération says that Francis was a pope who was less revolutionary than hoped. The article says that despite his attempts to change the priorities of the Church, it remains stuck on questions about sexual morals and abortion.

Meanwhile, the world is wondering what happens next behind closed doors. The Guardian has a conclave explainer on its website. The Washington Post, meanwhile, has a list of the main contenders. The press are already turning to Hollywood to get an idea of what is about to happen. We got a glimpse of it in the Oscar-winning film "Conclave", which is all about the election of a new pope, and we are seeing a sort of "Conclavification" of press coverage. An article in People magazine highlights the extent to which Hollywood has improved our knowledge of mysterious Vatican traditions. The Times has a photo of Ralph Fiennes starring in the film "Conclave". It says that the film illustrates the battle lines in the Vatican. The New York Times says the movie is one of the most accurate depictions of the tense election process of a new pope.

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