Death Archives

Dutch Cardinal emeritus Adrianus Simonis dies at age 88

Sep 3, 2020

Cardinal emeritus Adrianus Simonis, who led the Dutch Catholic Church during a period of secularization in society and, after his retirement, had to confront abuse in the church, has died at age 88, his former archdiocese of Utrecht announced Wednesday.

By Associated Press

Dreaded uptick worldwide of dead spiritual leaders

Apr 9, 2020

The Louisiana pastor who preached courage from his deathbed. The nun who always insisted that her order “get down to brass tacks,” and help people. The rabbi who made sure his students did not lack clothes or books. Even as parishioners, followers and the faithful seek solace and strength from religious leaders in a time of pandemic, the list of those who have died includes more and more clergymen and women.

By Associated Press

Bound by shared grief, staff assists families at natural burial ground

Dec 1, 2019

Staff members at a natural cemetery in Georgia know what it means when heartfelt requests come from grieving families. Three of the staff members themselves have family buried among the trees and the grasslands.

By Andrew Nelson

Capuchin ‘bone church’ forces us to stare mortality in the face

Nov 10, 2019

There’s no distracting ourselves or avoiding the indisputable. Our mortality is looking us right in the face. What are we going to do about it?

By Father Jeffrey F. Kirby

Heaven means saying no to a ‘cosmetic,’ ‘humdrum’ life, pope says

Nov 3, 2018

Honoring cardinals and bishops who died in 2018, Pope Francis Saturday said attaining heaven means letting go of worldly affairs, looking to others and serving them instead of focusing on one’s own appearance.

By Elise Harris

Colombian coroner offers free burials to destitute Venezuelan migrants

Sep 14, 2018

As hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans migrate across South America to escape hyperinflation and food shortages, some are dying in poverty far from home.

By Manuel Rueda