Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

PHOTO COLLECTION: Best-of-Vatican-Obit-Pope-Francis-Global-Reaction-Photo-Collection

News

PHOTO COLLECTION: Best-of-Vatican-Obit-Pope-Francis-Global-Reaction-Photo-Collection
News

News

PHOTO COLLECTION: Best-of-Vatican-Obit-Pope-Francis-Global-Reaction-Photo-Collection

2025-04-25 02:06 Last Updated At:02:22

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

An Indian artist Sagar Kambli makes a painting of Pope Francis as a mark of tribute on a sidewalk in Mumbai, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

An Indian artist Sagar Kambli makes a painting of Pope Francis as a mark of tribute on a sidewalk in Mumbai, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Faithful hold candles under a highway bridge during Mass to honor the late Pope Francis in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful hold candles under a highway bridge during Mass to honor the late Pope Francis in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A shop owner places a black ribbon over a photo of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, in Bethlehem, West Bank, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A shop owner places a black ribbon over a photo of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, in Bethlehem, West Bank, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A woman prays during the morning mass at the Sanctuaire d'adoration cathedral, following the announcement of Pope Francis's death in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

A woman prays during the morning mass at the Sanctuaire d'adoration cathedral, following the announcement of Pope Francis's death in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

People take photos by a photo of Pope Francis at the entrance to the car museum where one of the Popemobiles he used during his visit to Cuba is displayed in Havana, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

People take photos by a photo of Pope Francis at the entrance to the car museum where one of the Popemobiles he used during his visit to Cuba is displayed in Havana, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

A man looks at a photo of the late Pope Francis projected onto the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

A man looks at a photo of the late Pope Francis projected onto the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Norberto Rodriguez places a photo of the late Pope Francis on a column at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Norberto Rodriguez places a photo of the late Pope Francis on a column at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A woman lights a candle at the Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

A woman lights a candle at the Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

A street vendor sells key chains of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

A street vendor sells key chains of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Maureen Boyd leans against a portrait of the late Pope Francis after a mass at the Cathedral of Incarnation, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Maureen Boyd leans against a portrait of the late Pope Francis after a mass at the Cathedral of Incarnation, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

People walk past near the screens showing the portraits of the late Pope Francis at the Coex in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People walk past near the screens showing the portraits of the late Pope Francis at the Coex in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

A woman lights a candle by the confessional at the Basilica de San Jose de Flores where the future Pope Francis, known as Jorge Bergoglio, first realized his calling to become a priest at age 17, in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A woman lights a candle by the confessional at the Basilica de San Jose de Flores where the future Pope Francis, known as Jorge Bergoglio, first realized his calling to become a priest at age 17, in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A vendor wears a head accessories of Pope Francis outside the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

A vendor wears a head accessories of Pope Francis outside the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

A photograph of the late Pope Francis sits in the window of the Muglia shoe store alongside the model of shoes that Jorge Bergoglio used in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A photograph of the late Pope Francis sits in the window of the Muglia shoe store alongside the model of shoes that Jorge Bergoglio used in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

An artist paints an image of the late Pope Francis outside San Antonio parish before a Mass by fans of San Lorenzo soccer club, of which the pontiff was a lifelong supporter, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

An artist paints an image of the late Pope Francis outside San Antonio parish before a Mass by fans of San Lorenzo soccer club, of which the pontiff was a lifelong supporter, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Fans of San Lorenzo soccer club attend a Mass at San Antonio Parish in honor of the late Pope Francis, a lifelong supporter of the club, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Fans of San Lorenzo soccer club attend a Mass at San Antonio Parish in honor of the late Pope Francis, a lifelong supporter of the club, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A message board for the late Pope Francis is covered with writings from Catholic devotees outside St. Peter Parish in Quezon city, Philippines, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

A message board for the late Pope Francis is covered with writings from Catholic devotees outside St. Peter Parish in Quezon city, Philippines, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Faithful pray during a mass honoring Pope Francis at the Cua Bac Parish Church in Hanoi, Vietnam on April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Faithful pray during a mass honoring Pope Francis at the Cua Bac Parish Church in Hanoi, Vietnam on April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Clergy and worshippers take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Clergy and worshippers take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A Catholic holds a crucifix during Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A Catholic holds a crucifix during Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Devotees pray for the late Pope Francis as they wait for their turn to be allowed in to the Apostolic Nunciature to offer their condolences, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Devotees pray for the late Pope Francis as they wait for their turn to be allowed in to the Apostolic Nunciature to offer their condolences, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Photos of late Pope Francis are projected outside Saint George Church on the feast day of Saint George in Rio de Janeiro, before sunrise, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Photos of late Pope Francis are projected outside Saint George Church on the feast day of Saint George in Rio de Janeiro, before sunrise, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Faithful pray during a Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Faithful pray during a Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A man walks in procession with a picture of the late Pope Francis after a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A man walks in procession with a picture of the late Pope Francis after a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Issa Kassissieh holds a candle during a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Issa Kassissieh holds a candle during a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Parishioners, as seen through a window, partake in a prayer service in remembrance of Pope Francis at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Parishioners, as seen through a window, partake in a prayer service in remembrance of Pope Francis at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Clergy take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Clergy take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Devotees lay flowers near the banner of the late Pope Francis in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Suzana Cardoso)

Devotees lay flowers near the banner of the late Pope Francis in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Suzana Cardoso)

South Korean Kim Seung-hoe with a portrait of the late Pope Francis takes photos outside Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean Kim Seung-hoe with a portrait of the late Pope Francis takes photos outside Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A Catholic man prays after the Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A Catholic man prays after the Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

The Philippine flag, left, and Vatican flag are half-staff beside a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Cubao Cathedral in Quezon city, Philippines Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

The Philippine flag, left, and Vatican flag are half-staff beside a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Cubao Cathedral in Quezon city, Philippines Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Christians attend prayer services for the late Pope Francis at St. Anthony Church in Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Christians attend prayer services for the late Pope Francis at St. Anthony Church in Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

People walk around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

People walk around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A parishioner cries during a mass for the late Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A parishioner cries during a mass for the late Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful pray during a service for the late Pope Francis at St. Alexander's Rome Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv Ukraine, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Faithful pray during a service for the late Pope Francis at St. Alexander's Rome Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv Ukraine, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

People pray in front of candles for the late Pope Francis on the grand staircase of the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

People pray in front of candles for the late Pope Francis on the grand staircase of the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful attend a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Faithful attend a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A woman holds a photo of the late Pope Francis during an inter-religious prayer service in honor of the late pontiff at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A woman holds a photo of the late Pope Francis during an inter-religious prayer service in honor of the late pontiff at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

People attend a mass inside Notre Dame cathedral where a poster shows Pope Francis following the Vatican's announcement of his death, Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

People attend a mass inside Notre Dame cathedral where a poster shows Pope Francis following the Vatican's announcement of his death, Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Worshippers light candles at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida, following the Vatican's announcement the death of Pope Francis, in Aparecida, Brazil Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Worshippers light candles at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida, following the Vatican's announcement the death of Pope Francis, in Aparecida, Brazil Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Catholic believers pray after the news of Pope Francis's death at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Catholic believers pray after the news of Pope Francis's death at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

People light candles inside Notre Dame cathedral Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

People light candles inside Notre Dame cathedral Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Issa Kassissieh touches a photo of the late Pope Francis, which he placed in Jerusalem's Old City following news of the pontiff's death at age 88, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Issa Kassissieh touches a photo of the late Pope Francis, which he placed in Jerusalem's Old City following news of the pontiff's death at age 88, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Christians arrive with a portrait of Pope Francis for a prayer ceremony at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, in Lahore, Pakistan Monday, April 21, 2025, following the announcement by the Vatican of the death of Pope Francis. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Christians arrive with a portrait of Pope Francis for a prayer ceremony at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, in Lahore, Pakistan Monday, April 21, 2025, following the announcement by the Vatican of the death of Pope Francis. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, sits behind an image of Pope Francis during a service in the Pope's honor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, sits behind an image of Pope Francis during a service in the Pope's honor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Photographed through the door of a confessional, a person prays during Mass in honor of Pope Francis, following the Vatican's announcement of his death, at the Cathedral in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Photographed through the door of a confessional, a person prays during Mass in honor of Pope Francis, following the Vatican's announcement of his death, at the Cathedral in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

People pray during a Mass in honor of the late Pope Francis at Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Cathedral in Asuncion, Paraguay, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

People pray during a Mass in honor of the late Pope Francis at Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Cathedral in Asuncion, Paraguay, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

Emerson Espinosa prays during a Mass in tribute to the late Pope Francis at the Cathedral in Bogotá, Colombia, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Emerson Espinosa prays during a Mass in tribute to the late Pope Francis at the Cathedral in Bogotá, Colombia, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Indian Catholics light candles during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025 following the announcement of his death by the Vatican. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

Indian Catholics light candles during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025 following the announcement of his death by the Vatican. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

Suzanne Jessep lights a candle at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral following the death of Pope Francis, Australia, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Suzanne Jessep lights a candle at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral following the death of Pope Francis, Australia, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Indian Catholics pray during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

Indian Catholics pray during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

People on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange observe a Moment of Silence for the passing of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

People on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange observe a Moment of Silence for the passing of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols speaks during a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis inside Westminster Cathedral, in London, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols speaks during a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis inside Westminster Cathedral, in London, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Fans and players stand during a moment of silence as a portrait of Pope Francis is displayed at Citi Field before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Fans and players stand during a moment of silence as a portrait of Pope Francis is displayed at Citi Field before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Maria Teresa Delgado holds a portrait of the late Pope Francis during Mass at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Maria Teresa Delgado holds a portrait of the late Pope Francis during Mass at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Gregoria Caceres kneels in front of a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Caacupe Parish, which he often visited and preached at, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Gregoria Caceres kneels in front of a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Caacupe Parish, which he often visited and preached at, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Christian Palestinians attend a special prayer for the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, at the Holy Family Church in the Old City of Gaza, Gaza City, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Christian Palestinians attend a special prayer for the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, at the Holy Family Church in the Old City of Gaza, Gaza City, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A portrait of the late Pope Francis is projected onto a water fountain at Magic Water Circuit in Lima, Peru, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

A portrait of the late Pope Francis is projected onto a water fountain at Magic Water Circuit in Lima, Peru, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Priests pray next to a photo of the late Pope Francis during a prayer service at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Priests pray next to a photo of the late Pope Francis during a prayer service at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Alejandra Zuccoli prays at the Basílica de San José de Flores, the church where the late Pope Francis worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Alejandra Zuccoli prays at the Basílica de San José de Flores, the church where the late Pope Francis worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A woman listens to a sermon inside the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, as the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Carlos A. Moreno)

A woman listens to a sermon inside the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, as the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Carlos A. Moreno)

Catholic monks pray at San Francisco Church during a Mass in memory of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death, in Antigua, Guatemala, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Catholic monks pray at San Francisco Church during a Mass in memory of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death, in Antigua, Guatemala, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Genali Nogales touches a painting of the late Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Genali Nogales touches a painting of the late Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Faithful hold candles during a Mass honoring the late Pope Francis under a highway bridge in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful hold candles during a Mass honoring the late Pope Francis under a highway bridge in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A parishioner weeps in front of a picture of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

A parishioner weeps in front of a picture of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

A worshipper cries during Mass at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis' death, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A worshipper cries during Mass at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis' death, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A man touches a portrait of the late Pope Francis placed in one of the offices at the Catholic Church of the assumption in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A man touches a portrait of the late Pope Francis placed in one of the offices at the Catholic Church of the assumption in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Myanmar Christians attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Myanmar Christians attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Christian priests attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Christian priests attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A woman writes in a condolence book for the late Pope Francis at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

A woman writes in a condolence book for the late Pope Francis at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

More Images
An Indian artist Sagar Kambli makes a painting of Pope Francis as a mark of tribute on a sidewalk in Mumbai, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

An Indian artist Sagar Kambli makes a painting of Pope Francis as a mark of tribute on a sidewalk in Mumbai, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Faithful hold candles under a highway bridge during Mass to honor the late Pope Francis in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful hold candles under a highway bridge during Mass to honor the late Pope Francis in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A shop owner places a black ribbon over a photo of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, in Bethlehem, West Bank, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A shop owner places a black ribbon over a photo of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, in Bethlehem, West Bank, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A woman prays during the morning mass at the Sanctuaire d'adoration cathedral, following the announcement of Pope Francis's death in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

A woman prays during the morning mass at the Sanctuaire d'adoration cathedral, following the announcement of Pope Francis's death in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

People take photos by a photo of Pope Francis at the entrance to the car museum where one of the Popemobiles he used during his visit to Cuba is displayed in Havana, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

People take photos by a photo of Pope Francis at the entrance to the car museum where one of the Popemobiles he used during his visit to Cuba is displayed in Havana, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

A man looks at a photo of the late Pope Francis projected onto the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

A man looks at a photo of the late Pope Francis projected onto the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Norberto Rodriguez places a photo of the late Pope Francis on a column at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Norberto Rodriguez places a photo of the late Pope Francis on a column at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A woman lights a candle at the Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

A woman lights a candle at the Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

A street vendor sells key chains of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

A street vendor sells key chains of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Maureen Boyd leans against a portrait of the late Pope Francis after a mass at the Cathedral of Incarnation, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Maureen Boyd leans against a portrait of the late Pope Francis after a mass at the Cathedral of Incarnation, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

People walk past near the screens showing the portraits of the late Pope Francis at the Coex in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People walk past near the screens showing the portraits of the late Pope Francis at the Coex in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

A woman lights a candle by the confessional at the Basilica de San Jose de Flores where the future Pope Francis, known as Jorge Bergoglio, first realized his calling to become a priest at age 17, in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A woman lights a candle by the confessional at the Basilica de San Jose de Flores where the future Pope Francis, known as Jorge Bergoglio, first realized his calling to become a priest at age 17, in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A vendor wears a head accessories of Pope Francis outside the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

A vendor wears a head accessories of Pope Francis outside the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

A photograph of the late Pope Francis sits in the window of the Muglia shoe store alongside the model of shoes that Jorge Bergoglio used in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A photograph of the late Pope Francis sits in the window of the Muglia shoe store alongside the model of shoes that Jorge Bergoglio used in the Flores neighborhood where he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

An artist paints an image of the late Pope Francis outside San Antonio parish before a Mass by fans of San Lorenzo soccer club, of which the pontiff was a lifelong supporter, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

An artist paints an image of the late Pope Francis outside San Antonio parish before a Mass by fans of San Lorenzo soccer club, of which the pontiff was a lifelong supporter, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Fans of San Lorenzo soccer club attend a Mass at San Antonio Parish in honor of the late Pope Francis, a lifelong supporter of the club, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Fans of San Lorenzo soccer club attend a Mass at San Antonio Parish in honor of the late Pope Francis, a lifelong supporter of the club, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A message board for the late Pope Francis is covered with writings from Catholic devotees outside St. Peter Parish in Quezon city, Philippines, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

A message board for the late Pope Francis is covered with writings from Catholic devotees outside St. Peter Parish in Quezon city, Philippines, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Faithful pray during a mass honoring Pope Francis at the Cua Bac Parish Church in Hanoi, Vietnam on April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Faithful pray during a mass honoring Pope Francis at the Cua Bac Parish Church in Hanoi, Vietnam on April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A parishioner prays during a special mass organised in honour of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Clergy and worshippers take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Clergy and worshippers take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A Catholic holds a crucifix during Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A Catholic holds a crucifix during Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Devotees pray for the late Pope Francis as they wait for their turn to be allowed in to the Apostolic Nunciature to offer their condolences, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Devotees pray for the late Pope Francis as they wait for their turn to be allowed in to the Apostolic Nunciature to offer their condolences, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Photos of late Pope Francis are projected outside Saint George Church on the feast day of Saint George in Rio de Janeiro, before sunrise, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Photos of late Pope Francis are projected outside Saint George Church on the feast day of Saint George in Rio de Janeiro, before sunrise, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Faithful pray during a Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Faithful pray during a Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A man walks in procession with a picture of the late Pope Francis after a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

A man walks in procession with a picture of the late Pope Francis after a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Issa Kassissieh holds a candle during a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Issa Kassissieh holds a candle during a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Parishioners, as seen through a window, partake in a prayer service in remembrance of Pope Francis at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Parishioners, as seen through a window, partake in a prayer service in remembrance of Pope Francis at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Clergy take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Clergy take part in a Mass led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, in remembrance of Pope Francis at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where according to tradition Jesus was crucified and buried, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Devotees lay flowers near the banner of the late Pope Francis in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Suzana Cardoso)

Devotees lay flowers near the banner of the late Pope Francis in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Suzana Cardoso)

South Korean Kim Seung-hoe with a portrait of the late Pope Francis takes photos outside Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean Kim Seung-hoe with a portrait of the late Pope Francis takes photos outside Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A Catholic man prays after the Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A Catholic man prays after the Pope Francis Memorial Mass, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

The Philippine flag, left, and Vatican flag are half-staff beside a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Cubao Cathedral in Quezon city, Philippines Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

The Philippine flag, left, and Vatican flag are half-staff beside a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Cubao Cathedral in Quezon city, Philippines Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Christians attend prayer services for the late Pope Francis at St. Anthony Church in Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Christians attend prayer services for the late Pope Francis at St. Anthony Church in Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

People walk around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

People walk around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A parishioner cries during a mass for the late Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A parishioner cries during a mass for the late Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful pray during a service for the late Pope Francis at St. Alexander's Rome Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv Ukraine, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Faithful pray during a service for the late Pope Francis at St. Alexander's Rome Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv Ukraine, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

People pray in front of candles for the late Pope Francis on the grand staircase of the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

People pray in front of candles for the late Pope Francis on the grand staircase of the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful attend a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Faithful attend a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A woman holds a photo of the late Pope Francis during an inter-religious prayer service in honor of the late pontiff at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A woman holds a photo of the late Pope Francis during an inter-religious prayer service in honor of the late pontiff at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

People attend a mass inside Notre Dame cathedral where a poster shows Pope Francis following the Vatican's announcement of his death, Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

People attend a mass inside Notre Dame cathedral where a poster shows Pope Francis following the Vatican's announcement of his death, Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Graffiti artist Alexander Ikawah, paints Pope Francis on a canvas in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Worshippers light candles at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida, following the Vatican's announcement the death of Pope Francis, in Aparecida, Brazil Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Worshippers light candles at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida, following the Vatican's announcement the death of Pope Francis, in Aparecida, Brazil Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Catholic believers pray after the news of Pope Francis's death at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Catholic believers pray after the news of Pope Francis's death at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

People light candles inside Notre Dame cathedral Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

People light candles inside Notre Dame cathedral Monday, April 21, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Issa Kassissieh touches a photo of the late Pope Francis, which he placed in Jerusalem's Old City following news of the pontiff's death at age 88, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Issa Kassissieh touches a photo of the late Pope Francis, which he placed in Jerusalem's Old City following news of the pontiff's death at age 88, on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Christians arrive with a portrait of Pope Francis for a prayer ceremony at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, in Lahore, Pakistan Monday, April 21, 2025, following the announcement by the Vatican of the death of Pope Francis. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Christians arrive with a portrait of Pope Francis for a prayer ceremony at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, in Lahore, Pakistan Monday, April 21, 2025, following the announcement by the Vatican of the death of Pope Francis. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, sits behind an image of Pope Francis during a service in the Pope's honor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, sits behind an image of Pope Francis during a service in the Pope's honor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Photographed through the door of a confessional, a person prays during Mass in honor of Pope Francis, following the Vatican's announcement of his death, at the Cathedral in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Photographed through the door of a confessional, a person prays during Mass in honor of Pope Francis, following the Vatican's announcement of his death, at the Cathedral in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

People pray during a Mass in honor of the late Pope Francis at Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Cathedral in Asuncion, Paraguay, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

People pray during a Mass in honor of the late Pope Francis at Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Cathedral in Asuncion, Paraguay, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

Emerson Espinosa prays during a Mass in tribute to the late Pope Francis at the Cathedral in Bogotá, Colombia, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Emerson Espinosa prays during a Mass in tribute to the late Pope Francis at the Cathedral in Bogotá, Colombia, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Indian Catholics light candles during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025 following the announcement of his death by the Vatican. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

Indian Catholics light candles during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025 following the announcement of his death by the Vatican. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

Suzanne Jessep lights a candle at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral following the death of Pope Francis, Australia, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Suzanne Jessep lights a candle at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral following the death of Pope Francis, Australia, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Indian Catholics pray during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

Indian Catholics pray during a prayer meeting for Pope Francis in Kochi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

People on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange observe a Moment of Silence for the passing of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

People on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange observe a Moment of Silence for the passing of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols speaks during a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis inside Westminster Cathedral, in London, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols speaks during a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis inside Westminster Cathedral, in London, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Fans and players stand during a moment of silence as a portrait of Pope Francis is displayed at Citi Field before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Fans and players stand during a moment of silence as a portrait of Pope Francis is displayed at Citi Field before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Maria Teresa Delgado holds a portrait of the late Pope Francis during Mass at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Maria Teresa Delgado holds a portrait of the late Pope Francis during Mass at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Gregoria Caceres kneels in front of a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Caacupe Parish, which he often visited and preached at, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Gregoria Caceres kneels in front of a portrait of the late Pope Francis at the Caacupe Parish, which he often visited and preached at, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Christian Palestinians attend a special prayer for the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, at the Holy Family Church in the Old City of Gaza, Gaza City, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Christian Palestinians attend a special prayer for the late Pope Francis after the news of his death at age 88, at the Holy Family Church in the Old City of Gaza, Gaza City, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A portrait of the late Pope Francis is projected onto a water fountain at Magic Water Circuit in Lima, Peru, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

A portrait of the late Pope Francis is projected onto a water fountain at Magic Water Circuit in Lima, Peru, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A street artists chalks a portrait of the late Pope Francis outside the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Priests pray next to a photo of the late Pope Francis during a prayer service at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Priests pray next to a photo of the late Pope Francis during a prayer service at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Alejandra Zuccoli prays at the Basílica de San José de Flores, the church where the late Pope Francis worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Alejandra Zuccoli prays at the Basílica de San José de Flores, the church where the late Pope Francis worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A woman listens to a sermon inside the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, as the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Carlos A. Moreno)

A woman listens to a sermon inside the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, as the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Carlos A. Moreno)

Catholic monks pray at San Francisco Church during a Mass in memory of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death, in Antigua, Guatemala, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Catholic monks pray at San Francisco Church during a Mass in memory of the late Pope Francis after the news of his death, in Antigua, Guatemala, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Genali Nogales touches a painting of the late Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Genali Nogales touches a painting of the late Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican's announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Faithful hold candles during a Mass honoring the late Pope Francis under a highway bridge in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Faithful hold candles during a Mass honoring the late Pope Francis under a highway bridge in the Carlos Mugica neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

A parishioner weeps in front of a picture of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

A parishioner weeps in front of a picture of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

A worshipper cries during Mass at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis' death, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A worshipper cries during Mass at the Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis' death, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A man touches a portrait of the late Pope Francis placed in one of the offices at the Catholic Church of the assumption in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

A man touches a portrait of the late Pope Francis placed in one of the offices at the Catholic Church of the assumption in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Myanmar Christians attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Myanmar Christians attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Christian priests attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Christian priests attend a prayer for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A woman writes in a condolence book for the late Pope Francis at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

A woman writes in a condolence book for the late Pope Francis at the Saint Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Becky Pepper-Jackson finished third in the discus throw in West Virginia last year though she was in just her first year of high school. Now a 15-year-old sophomore, Pepper-Jackson is aware that her upcoming season could be her last.

West Virginia has banned transgender girls like Pepper-Jackson from competing in girls and women's sports, and is among the more than two dozen states with similar laws. Though the West Virginia law has been blocked by lower courts, the outcome could be different at the conservative-dominated Supreme Court, which has allowed multiple restrictions on transgender people to be enforced in the past year.

The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday in two cases over whether the sports bans violate the Constitution or the landmark federal law known as Title IX that prohibits sex discrimination in education. The second case comes from Idaho, where college student Lindsay Hecox challenged that state's law.

Decisions are expected by early summer.

President Donald Trump's Republican administration has targeted transgender Americans from the first day of his second term, including ousting transgender people from the military and declaring that gender is immutable and determined at birth.

Pepper-Jackson has become the face of the nationwide battle over the participation of transgender girls in athletics that has played out at both the state and federal levels as Republicans have leveraged the issue as a fight for athletic fairness for women and girls.

“I think it’s something that needs to be done,” Pepper-Jackson said in an interview with The Associated Press that was conducted over Zoom. “It’s something I’m here to do because ... this is important to me. I know it’s important to other people. So, like, I’m here for it.”

She sat alongside her mother, Heather Jackson, on a sofa in their home just outside Bridgeport, a rural West Virginia community about 40 miles southwest of Morgantown, to talk about a legal fight that began when she was a middle schooler who finished near the back of the pack in cross-country races.

Pepper-Jackson has grown into a competitive discus and shot put thrower. In addition to the bronze medal in the discus, she finished eighth among shot putters.

She attributes her success to hard work, practicing at school and in her backyard, and lifting weights. Pepper-Jackson has been taking puberty-blocking medication and has publicly identified as a girl since she was in the third grade, though the Supreme Court's decision in June upholding state bans on gender-affirming medical treatment for minors has forced her to go out of state for care.

Her very improvement as an athlete has been cited as a reason she should not be allowed to compete against girls.

“There are immutable physical and biological characteristic differences between men and women that make men bigger, stronger, and faster than women. And if we allow biological males to play sports against biological females, those differences will erode the ability and the places for women in these sports which we have fought so hard for over the last 50 years,” West Virginia's attorney general, JB McCuskey, said in an AP interview. McCuskey said he is not aware of any other transgender athlete in the state who has competed or is trying to compete in girls or women’s sports.

Despite the small numbers of transgender athletes, the issue has taken on outsize importance. The NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women's sports after Trump signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.

The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to only compete on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion.

About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people age 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

Those allied with the administration on the issue paint it in broader terms than just sports, pointing to state laws, Trump administration policies and court rulings against transgender people.

"I think there are cultural, political, legal headwinds all supporting this notion that it’s just a lie that a man can be a woman," said John Bursch, a lawyer with the conservative Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom that has led the legal campaign against transgender people. “And if we want a society that respects women and girls, then we need to come to terms with that truth. And the sooner that we do that, the better it will be for women everywhere, whether that be in high school sports teams, high school locker rooms and showers, abused women’s shelters, women’s prisons.”

But Heather Jackson offered different terms to describe the effort to keep her daughter off West Virginia's playing fields.

“Hatred. It’s nothing but hatred,” she said. "This community is the community du jour. We have a long history of isolating marginalized parts of the community.”

Pepper-Jackson has seen some of the uglier side of the debate on display, including when a competitor wore a T-shirt at the championship meet that said, “Men Don't Belong in Women's Sports.”

“I wish these people would educate themselves. Just so they would know that I’m just there to have a good time. That’s it. But it just, it hurts sometimes, like, it gets to me sometimes, but I try to brush it off,” she said.

One schoolmate, identified as A.C. in court papers, said Pepper-Jackson has herself used graphic language in sexually bullying her teammates.

Asked whether she said any of what is alleged, Pepper-Jackson said, “I did not. And the school ruled that there was no evidence to prove that it was true.”

The legal fight will turn on whether the Constitution's equal protection clause or the Title IX anti-discrimination law protects transgender people.

The court ruled in 2020 that workplace discrimination against transgender people is sex discrimination, but refused to extend the logic of that decision to the case over health care for transgender minors.

The court has been deluged by dueling legal briefs from Republican- and Democratic-led states, members of Congress, athletes, doctors, scientists and scholars.

The outcome also could influence separate legal efforts seeking to bar transgender athletes in states that have continued to allow them to compete.

If Pepper-Jackson is forced to stop competing, she said she will still be able to lift weights and continue playing trumpet in the school concert and jazz bands.

“It will hurt a lot, and I know it will, but that’s what I’ll have to do,” she said.

Heather Jackson, left, and Becky Pepper-Jackson pose for a photograph outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Heather Jackson, left, and Becky Pepper-Jackson pose for a photograph outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Heather Jackson, left, and Becky Pepper-Jackson pose for a photograph outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Heather Jackson, left, and Becky Pepper-Jackson pose for a photograph outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Becky Pepper-Jackson poses for a photograph outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Becky Pepper-Jackson poses for a photograph outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

The Supreme Court stands is Washington, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The Supreme Court stands is Washington, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

FILE - Protestors hold signs during a rally at the state capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on March 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, file)

FILE - Protestors hold signs during a rally at the state capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on March 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, file)

Recommended Articles