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They came for the canonization of a millennial saint. They stayed for Pope Francis’ funeral

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 21:21

By VANESSA GERA

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of young people from around the world had come to Rome expecting to rejoice this weekend in the canonization of the first millennial saint during the Vatican’s Holy Year. They ended up bidding farewell to Pope Francis instead, with their exuberance giving an uplifting tone to Saturday’s otherwise somber funeral.

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“He always said you have to be joyful about life, you have to live life in a similar way,” said Marco Falchi, who traveled from his home near Perugia with his wife and 11-year-old son. He and his wife credit Francis with reviving their spirituality, and they named their son, Francesco, after him.

The family is also devoted to the cause of sainthood for Carlo Acutis, a young Italian who died in 2006 from leukemia and inspired faith in many young Catholics. They planned their trip to Rome around that.

The canonization of Acutis had been scheduled for Sunday during the first-ever Jubilee of Adolescents, dedicated to teens. It was suspended after Francis’ death on Monday.

Falchi was struck by the lack of deep mourning at the funeral for the pope, and he is convinced Francis would have been pleased. “Especially since this was the jubilee for adolescents, he certainly didn’t want a day of mourning but he wanted a day of joy,” he said.

‘I feel like I grew up with Francis’

There was a clear blue sky over St. Peter’s Square. Some people camped out the night before to get a good spot. Many stood respectfully, their hands folded, as they followed the Mass on large screens. Radio broadcasts in multiple languages added to the hum of humanity. They applauded when Francis’ simple wooden coffin was moved outdoors.

Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful had planned their trips before the pope’s death.

“I bought my ticket for Carlo,” said Reyes Arribas, a 23-year-old from Valencia, Spain. “And then suddenly Pope Francis died, so I came to the funeral.”

Show Caption1 of 12Faithful react during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Expand

She confessed that while she admired Francis, she felt a closer affinity to his predecessors, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Her feelings for Acutis, however, are very strong. She excitedly praised him as “the first saint of young people” because he was immersed in the technological world of today.

Even those who were disappointed by the suspended canonization were gratified that they could celebrate Francis, loved by many for his humility and concern for the poor.

“I feel like I grew up with Pope Francis,” said Jessica Naranjo, a 27-year-old from Austin, Texas. “I felt very connected with him in the way he advocated for social justice and the environment. This was a big loss for me.”

“I”m disappointed that I’m here celebrating the pope’s life instead of celebrating with the pope,” she said.

Ana Kalen, a 22-year-old medical student, traveled to Rome for the Acutis canonization with a group from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“The plans have changed, but we are still so glad to be here for this historical moment,” Kalen said, a Bosnian flag draped over her shoulders. “We are sad about each death. But we do believe that Pope Francis is in a better place.”

Francis resonates with young Catholics

After St. John Paul II died in 2005, the mood was different. The faithful made pilgrimages from his Polish homeland and elsewhere to mourn a towering figure of the 20th century in a spirit of deep sadness and loss.

Francis had a different style. During his 12-year papacy, he urged people to maintain a sense of humor, and that spirit seemed to guide many participants Saturday.

Groups of young people filled St. Peter’s Square before the funeral Mass. One from a parish in Cassano Magnago in the northern Italian province of Varese danced in circle and sang religious songs.

The pope’s death during Easter season filled them with a sense of peace, one teenager said.

“It’s a good sign,” said 16-year-old Matteo Cozzi. “The death of a pope at Easter is a sign of hope.”

UF QB Graham Mertz the biggest surprise among 7 Gators drafted

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 18:56

GAINESVILLE — Quarterback Graham Mertz was one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits when he signed with Wisconsin, but a longshot to get drafted by the time he left Florida.

The Houston Texans decided to give the 24-year-old an opportunity to prove himself, selecting him during the sixth round of the NFL draft with the No. 197 overall pick.

After UF failed to produce a draft pick during the first three rounds for the first time since 2012 and just the third instance since 1990 (’92, ’93), Mertz was among seven Gators to have their name called during the draft’s third day (Rounds 4-7).

Florida head coach Billy Napier, right, talks with quarterback Graham Mertz during a timeout of the Gators' 39-36 overtime loss to Arkansas Nov. 4 in Gainesville. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Mertz was the 10th quarterback selected among 13 drafted overall, going ahead of Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, who led College Football Playoff teams. Also selected in the sixth round were Ohio State’s Will Howard and Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, who squared off in the national title game won by Howard’s Buckeyes.

Mertz spent six years at the collegiate level and started 48 starts, allowing him to acquire experience and hone his leadership skills while also improving accuracy and decision-making he struggled with at Wisconsin.

The Kansas native arrived at UF after he transferred following the 2022 season to culminate an inconsistent career in Madison. Mertz threw 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions while completing just under 60% of his passes for the Badgers.

But Mertz would set program records at Florida for completion percentage in a season (72.9) and consecutive passes without an interception (239) while throwing 20 touchdowns and just 3 picks before he suffered a broken collarbone during a narrow loss at Missouri to end his season.

Mertz, though, failed to build on his breakout 2023 season, suffering a concussion during a season-opening 41-17 loss at Miami. During an overtime loss Oct. 11 at Tennessee, he tore the ACL in his left knee to end his college career.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier checks on his quarterback Graham Mertz (15) after he was injured in the second half of the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

Less than six months after the injury, Mertz performed at the Gators Pro Day March 27. His return was the final time at Florida Mertz showcased the toughness he displayed repeatedly during a 31-sack 2023 season or in his final game at Tennessee, where he threw a touchdown on the play after he injured his knee.

The Texans will now give Mertz an opportunity to compete for the role of backup to rising star CJ Stroud. Former Stanford quarterback Davis Mills was his backup in 2023.

NFL teams also drafted six of Mertz’s former Florida teammates and signed others as free agents.

Receiver Chimere Dike, who played with Mertz at Wisconsin and in 2024 at Florida, was the first player selected on Day 3. The Tennessee Titans drafted him No. 103 overall, making him the 14th receiver chosen after he led UF with 42 catches, including a team-high 18 of at least 20 yards. The 6-foot-1 ½, 195-pound Wisconsin native ran a 40 time of 4.34 seconds at the scouting combine.

Former 5-star recruit Jason Marshall Jr. will return to his hometown of Miami to play with the Dolphins, who chose him with the No. 150 pick. Ten selections earlier the Carolina Panthers selected defensive tackle Cam Jackson.

At No. 152, the Dallas Cowboys selected three-year starting linebacker Shemar James, who left school a year early. Veteran Jeremy Crawshaw, a member of UF’s 2020 class, will join the Denver Broncos as the only punter drafted (sixth round, No. 216 overall). The native of Australia averaged a school-record 46.4 yards for his five-year career.

Defensive tackle Trikweze Bridges was the penultimate pick of the draft, going No. 256 to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Oregon transfer led UF with 70 tackles after he stepped in at safety because of injuries and became one of the defense’s most consistent performers.

Several Gators were undrafted.

The Tennessee Titans signed offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson as a free agent. He started 47 college games, including 35 at San Diego State before he transferred in 2024.

Mammoth nose tackle Des Watson (6-5, 464) signed as an undrafted rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, allowing the Plant City native to remain close to home.

Receiver Elijhah Badger will join the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of three of the past six Super Bowls, as a undrafted free agent. After leading the Gators with 798 receiving yards and 4 scores on 39 catches, the former Arizona State transfer hopes to catch passes from superstar Patrick Mahomes.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Chris Perkins: A glance at Miami Dolphins’ 2025 draft class and how they fit

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 18:20

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins had eight selections in this year’s NFL draft and they used five of them on defense, and three of those on nose tackles beginning with Michigan nose tackle/defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.

There’s reason to question why the Dolphins didn’t draft a cornerback in the first three rounds but they did get defensive help early.

Here’s a look at the Dolphins’ 2025 draft class: 

DT/NT Kenneth Grant, Michigan, first round (No. 13)

Grant (6 foot 4, 331 pounds) is a physical run-stopper who fills a need and will be expected to be a Day One starter.

He’ll line up on the front of the Dolphins’ 3-4 defense alongside fellow tackle Zach Sieler and nose tackle Benito Jones in an attempt to improve on what was the league’s No. 9 defense against the run last season.

Grant isn’t much of a pass rusher right now but it’s thought that he can improve on that skill.

Guard Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona, second round (No. 37)

Savaiinaea (6-4, 324) has position versatility between guard and tackle but the Dolphins said Savaiinaea will be expected to be a Day One starter.

It’s not known whether he’ll play RG or LG, meaning line up next to young LT Patrick Paul or veteran RT Austin Jackson.

Savaiinaea is a physical player who has played RG, RT and LT in the past two years. 

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Phillips (6-2, 312) is a run-stuffing nose tackle who can shed blocks and make tackles with skill.

He’ll be expected to compete for a roster spot and be a rotational player although there are low/reasonable expectations for fifth rounders.

Phillips takes on double teams well and shows good strength and quickness, traits that should serve him well.

CB Jason Marshall Jr., Florida, fifth round (150)

Marshall (6-0, 194), a long-armed player, will most likely get his best shot at the 53-man regular-season roster via special teams even though the Dolphins are deficient at cornerback.

Marshall played the first seven games of last season before sustaining a shoulder injury. He still amassed 20 tackles, four PBUs and a forced fumble. Marshall is a disruptive player who is regarded as smart and a zone coverage specialist.

Safety Dante Trader Jr., Maryland, fifth round (155)

Trader (5-11, 196) also played lacrosse player and is a skilled athlete as well as a versatile safety who can play slot, one-high, two-high or almost anything else.

Beyond that, he’s a core special teams player with experience at punt, punt return, kickoff and kickoff return, skills that should help him earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie.

RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State, sixth round (179)

Gordon (6-1, 226), who joins a crowded backfield among De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright and short-yardage specialist Alexander Mattison, was the Doak Walker winner as the nation’s best RB as a sophomore after rushing for 1,732 yards.

As a junior he rushed for 880 yards. Gordon is a big back who prefers to run through defenders than run around them. Gordon is also strong in pass protection.

QB Quinn Ewers, Texas, seventh round (231)

Ewers (6-2, 214) will be the third-teamer behind starter Tua Tagovailoa and backup Zach Wilson. Ewers has good arm strength but he’s inconsistent and not very agile.

Still, he had 31 TDs and 12 INTs. Ewers will likely get lots of training camp snaps because Tagovailoa won’t get much work outside of joint practices.

DT/NT Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech, seventh round (253)

Biggers (6-6, 321) is a nose tackle who has 35-inch arms that he uses to keep blockers away from his body, but as a seventh-rounder he’s a longshot to make the 53-man roster.

Biggers totaled 23 tackles, 1.0 sack, 3.5 TFL and two blocked kicks last season. Special teams play could help Biggers get attention from coaches.

More 2025 NFL draft coverage

Dolphins add slew of wide receivers among undrafted free agent pickups after draft

Fast facts: Learn more about the Dolphins’ Day 3 draftees

Dolphins, still without Jalen Ramsey trade partner, add DTs, local CB, QB on Day 3 of draft

Chris Perkins: Why didn’t Dolphins draft a cornerback in first three rounds?

Chris Perkins: Dolphins rookie Kenneth Grant under tremendous pressure months before his first game

Fast facts: Learn more about Jonah Savaiinaea, the Dolphins’ second-round pick

Dolphins move up in second round to draft guard Jonah Savaiinaea

Miami Dolphins’ first-round draft pick DT Kenneth Grant | PHOTOS

Perkins and Furones: Is Kenneth Grant a good pick for Dolphins? And Will Johnson in second round? | VIDEO

What draft analysts are saying about Dolphins’ first-round pick Kenneth Grant

Chris Perkins: New DT Kenneth Grant’s ‘dawg mentality’ is exactly what Dolphins need

Fast facts: Learn more about Dolphins’ first-round pick Kenneth Grant

Instant Analysis: Miami Dolphins’ first-round pick Kenneth Grant

Dolphins select Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant in first round of NFL draft

Dolphins add slew of wide receivers among undrafted free agent pickups after draft

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 17:28

Immediately as the NFL draft concluded Saturday evening, the Miami Dolphins got to work on agreements with undrafted rookies to add to the 90-man roster for the offseason.

The Dolphins, after beefing up in the trenches during the draft, dipped heavily into the wide receiver class among 13 undrafted free agents they’re signing, according to a league source. They agreed to terms with Missouri’s Theo Wease Jr., Arkansas’ Andrew Armstrong, Baylor’s Monaray Baldwin and Northwestern’s AJ Henning.

At other positions, according to a league source, the Dolphins added Missouri running back Nate Noel, a Miami product who attended Northwestern High, UCF cornerback BJ Adams, Texas Tech tight end Jalin Conyers, Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante, Minnesota cornerback Ethan Robinson, Michigan guard Josh Priebe, Western Michigan center Addison West, Alabama long snapper Kneeland Hibbert, South Carolina defensive tackle Alex Huntley and safety John Saunders Jr.

“We’re excited about some of the players we’re trying to get, and hopefully we can close some of those deals,” general manager Chris Grier said as the Dolphins wrapped up their eight-pick draft and added more young talent while his phone was consistently buzzing in his pocket during a post-draft news conference.

“As soon as our last pick went — we’re waiting for the end of the draft — but you start getting ready to communicate with players and agents to try and see if we can find a spot for them here and make it a mutual agreement.

“It’s always something you communicate with the agents throughout spring too, as well, about interest in players. We’re actively going.”

Among the late additions, Adams was a surprise to go undrafted, widely expected to go early on Day 3 in the fourth or fifth round. The 6 foot 2 Atlanta native is considered strong in man coverage and had two interceptions last year for UCF.

Armstrong, who is 6-4, was a standout for the Razorbacks last season, leading the SEC with 78 receptions for 1,140 yards.

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Wease also has size at wide receiver, which could complement the tandem of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, after free agent signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, if either he or Armstrong were to make the team this training camp. He had 884 receiving yards for Missouri last season.

His teammate with the Tigers, Noel, is shifty as a 5-8, 187-pound running back who was productive in the SEC after transferring from Appalachian State. He had 818 rushing yards at Mizzou.

Henning and Baldwin are of a different build than the two bigger wideouts, at 5-10 and 5-9, respectively.

Asante has 195 career tackles between time at North Carolina and Auburn, with 7 ½ sacks. Robinson had three interceptions for the Golden Gophers last season after transferring from Bucknell. Huntley had 81 tackles and four sacks over the past four seasons after redshirting his first college season with the Gamecocks.

The Dolphins started the draft by taking Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the No. 13 pick in Thursday night’s first round.

In the second round, Miami went to the offensive line and traded up to bring in Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea.

Miami then drafted six players on Day 3: Maryland defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, Florida cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr., Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Georgia Tech defensive tackle Zeek Biggers.

This story will be updated.

Chris Perkins: A glance at Miami Dolphins’ 2025 draft class and how they fit

Daily Horoscope for April 27, 2025

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 17:00
General Daily Insight for April 27, 2025

We’re standing up against our temptations. The nurturing Moon enters luxurious Taurus, encouraging us to seek comfort, stability, and pleasant connections with others. Later, though, the Moon fights against transformative Pluto, creating an inner tug-of-war between following compulsions and being emotionally disciplined, one that may draw our focus away from other areas of life. Finally, the New Moon rises at 3:31 pm EDT in Taurus, giving us the resilient energy to stand strong against this impulsive mindset. We are stronger than we think.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Trading a sure thing for a potential improvement could be a mistake. You may be offered an opportunity that sounds great, but demands that you expend or abandon something that you already have available. It’s an important trade-off that could have lasting effects on you, and might even affect the people around you. Be honest with yourself about whether the sacrifice is worth it for something that might not even pay out. Making a list of pros and cons could help you decide.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

It may take time for others to accept a renewed you. You might find that your reputation is undergoing more drastic shifts than you yourself are undergoing, as the changes that you’re enacting within yourself could be exaggerated to those who don’t know you very well. There could be rumors, perhaps by those who don’t want to see you change, creating obstacles to your progress, but don’t let them discourage you! You have the power and courage to set future trends.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

The past can teach you new things. You’re learning to appreciate what you’ve already done for yourself, rather than beating yourself up for what you haven’t yet done. There’s a way to look at your history that appreciates all the hard work that you put into getting where you are now, and there’s a different way to look at any mistakes you’ve made along the way. Accepting your actions and moving forward is the best way to fuel the positive future you deserve.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Too much, too fast could create unexpected setbacks. Be wary of taking on too much at this time — particularly since today’s “too much” may not normally be enough to fill your plate! Your internal bandwidth will naturally change over time, and you’ll need to make more room for necessary rest. It’s okay to be honest with the people around you by letting them know that you’re temporarily not able to take on as much as usual. You’re allowed to say no.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

New responsibilities may come with new challenges to navigate. You’re likely the type of person who doesn’t shy away from a challenge, and you want to make sure you’re telling the world that you’re here for the long run, loud and clear. That said, it may be better to avoid too much confrontation at this time, because it can be more explosive than normal. Rebranding yourself into an even more successful person is possible, so do your best to make a great first impression.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Learning updated information may inspire a change in routine. Even if you were locked into a certain mindset or routine prior to this, being able to alter your practice in response to learning more accurate knowledge is a valuable skill. You might let go of a bad habit after learning about long-term negative side effects that it causes, or you could discover that something you thought was good for you actually isn’t. Regardless, don’t hesitate to reflect and restructure your routine.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Shifting your focus can let you see a whole new world. You might be focusing on such a small part of the space around you that you’re completely missing beauty, wisdom, and fun in other places. Letting your gaze slide over toward the positive aspects of general life is a great way to regain some of your energy. Breaking free may not be easy, especially if you’ve been fixing your attention on something less enjoyable for a while, but it should be worth the wait.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Connections that need clarity may come into view. You might have been leaving a certain friendship for another day, not wanting to face what it meant for the two of you. Things may have been left off on an awkward or uncertain note, leaving you uncertain of how to move forward with the other person. The more that you strengthen yourself to be honest and straightforward with the other person, the easier it will be to get the same from them.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Creating order can bring networking opportunities. You might have been letting certain chores slip while you were juggling multiple projects and goals, and now you’re finding yourself reorganizing as a method of getting back to a place of serenity. There may be someone who’s paying attention to how you conduct yourself and your mental organization. The more that you’re able to show them that you have your affairs in order, the more likely you are to impress them. It’s time to shape up.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

You’re redefining your limits. Someone might have led you to believe that you were only capable of doing so much, but the truth is finally being revealed to you. You have talents beyond that which you were told you did, and you have the determination to develop skills that critics may not see in you. Your capacity to do hard things is amazing, even if you were told you wouldn’t be able to. Make sure that you’re not measuring yourself by someone else’s ruler.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

What comforts you in this moment may be a window into your deeper needs. You might find that you’re turning to certain people or places for emotional security. The people who feel like family, as well as the places that feel like home, are showing you how to best support your ongoing mental health. You could find that you’re being drawn to more stable people if you’ve been living erratically, or more daring people if you’ve been playing it safe. Find the right balance.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Fresh revelations may come after changing your surroundings. You might have been stuck inside the same four walls for quite some time — even if you haven’t, some stagnation has likely set in. Whenever cabin fever strikes you, don’t hesitate to get some fresh air. Whether you decide to take a nature hike, hit up your local dance club, or simply walk through the nearest park, you can shake up your environment and shake off the dust. Live life to the fullest!

Hurricanes star wide receiver Xavier Restrepo reunites with Cam Ward, signs with Titans

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 16:41

Xavier Restrepo came to Miami as a fringey three-star prospect. He left as one of the program’s all-time greats.

Restrepo turned a stellar college career into a shot at the pros; the Tennessee Titans signed him as an undrafted free agent on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move reunites him with top pick Cam Ward. 

Restrepo burst onto the South Florida football scene as a sophomore at Monarch High. He transferred to powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas for his junior year, then wrapped up his high school career at Deerfield Beach. Restrepo earned All-County first-team honors as a senior. 

Restrepo played seven games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, making one catch for 12 yards. He was solid in 2021 and 2022, racking up 613 yards and four touchdowns in 19 games after an injury-shortened his 2022 campaign.

He got a full season as Miami’s starting slot receiver in 2023, and he established himself as one of the best at the position. Restrepo racked up 1,092 yards and scored six times. He earned All-ACC first-team honors for his strong season.

Restrepo outdid his strong 2023 season last year. He became the first UM receiver to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, finishing the year with 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. Restrepo set the all-time program records for receptions (200) and receiving yards (2,844) during his final college season. For his efforts, he was named an All-American.

“He means the world to the program, and the program means the world to him,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “He is the epitome of hard work.”

Although Restrepo went late in the draft, Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said last year he would be a hard player to cut from a roster.

“I would say that if he’s on your team in camp, he’s going to be on your team when the season starts,” Dawson said. “It’s going to be hard to cut him because he’s going to work hard every day. He’s going to make plays. He might not look a certain way, he might not run a 40 the way you typically are wanting him to run. But if he’s on your squad Day 1, he’s going to be hard to cut because he’s going to be that guy every day.”

Hurricanes pick up trio of transfers, adding a wide receiver, linebacker and kicker

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 15:08

Miami made its first spring portal additions on Saturday, adding former N.C. State linebacker Kamal Bonner, Texas kicker Bert Auburn and BYU wide receiver Keelan Marionvia the transfer portal.

Bonner, a second-year freshman, was a multi-game starter for the Wolfpack last year, starting seven of the 12 games he played in. Bonner notched 56 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, with one sack.

The second-year linebacker had a 60.2 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. The analytics site gave him a 61.9 run-defense grade with a 63.7 pass-rush grade and a 58.3 coverage grade. He did struggle with missed tackles, missing 16 last year and getting a 41.8 tackling grade.

Bonner, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker, has three years of eligibility. He adds more depth to Miami’s linebacker room, which lost starter Francisco Mauigoa to the draft. He could start alongside veteran Wesley Bissainthe. Miami also has veteran Jaylin Alderman and rising young linebackers like Raul Aguirre, Bobby Pruitt and Kellen Wiley, among others.

Auburn was the Longhorns’ kicker for three years, making 66 of his 86 career attempts. He also had a 100 percent extra-point percentage.

Auburn fills the void left by Andy Borregales, who was the first kicker taken in this year’s NFL draft. 

Auburn, who is the Texas all-time leader in field goals made, was a first-team All-Big 12 pick in 2023.

Marion, the final transfer addition, started six games for the Cougars last year. He racked up 346 yards and a touchdown on 24 catches last season. Marion also is a standout kick returner, returning a pair of kicks for touchdowns. He was an All-American kick returner.

Pro Football Focus gave Marion a 67.5 offensive grade last season. Marion has 1,125 career yards and seven touchdowns during his tenure with BYU and UConn.

GOD DID THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY

Hurricanes’ standout running back Damien Martinez drafted

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 14:57

Damien Martinez spent just one season with the Miami Hurricanes, but he made it a productive one.

The standout running back turned his one year in Miami into a launching pad to the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks picked Martinez in the seventh round with the 223rd pick of the NFL draft on Saturday.

Martinez, a Lewisville, Texas, native, started his college career at Oregon State. He spent two seasons with the Beavers, racking up 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns.

After two years with Oregon State, Martinez transferred to Miami. He was the Hurricanes’ premier running back, rushing for 1,002 yards and 10 scores. He was picked as an All-ACC honorable mention.

Martinez’s advanced numbers proved even better. Pro Football Focus gave him a 94.4 run grade, which was third in the nation among running backs with 150 or more carries. He trailed only Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty and Arizona State star Cam Skattebo.

Martinez was the first UM running back to rush for 1,000 yards since Mark Walton in 2016. He said in January that he believes he can be an all-around running back in the NFL.

“Just being able to play without the ball, and then, for sure being a better pass protector, pass catcher out of the backfield,” Martinez said. “Everybody can run the ball, but in today’s league especially to a three-down back, or two-down back, you have to be able to do it all.”

Dave Hyde: An epic South Florida Saturday fizzled for Panthers, Heat (and sort of Dolphins)

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 14:50

South Florida could have been the epic epicenter of sports Saturday. There was a moment to dream, too.

The Miami Heat led early in their playoff game, the Panthers took 1-0 lead a few minutes later in theirs and the Dolphins were a focus of the NFL draft’s third day with seven picks.

We were living so well that moment in so many places.

And then it all crashed on us like a bad joke.

• The Heat were trounced by top seed Cleveland, 124-87, in Miami to fall behind 3-0 in their series.

• The Panthers lost their way in losing 5-1 to Tampa Bay and had their series lead trimmed to 2-1.

• The Dolphins might have found some important pieces, but their Saturday had all the excitement on a rummage sale when, after trading out of the third round on Friday, they traded out of the fourth round Saturday and declined to take a fifth-round flyer on bargain-bin quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

All in all, a day of dreaming became a terrible, horrible, very bad, no good day that might look even worse Sunday.

The Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk made a late, loud hit on Tampa Bay center Jake Guentzel that the NHL probably will review for further discipline beyond the assessed five-minute penalty.

Tkachuk’s hit wasn’t the violent, head-hunting smackdown on Panthers center Aleksander Barkov in Game 2 that led to Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel was suspended for Saturday. Or was it?

“I think it’s extremely similar other than the puck wasn’t touched (by Barkov),’’ TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonnette said in the post-game.

“That’s a big difference,’’ analyst Anson Carter said.

Guentzel did touch the puck but it was long gone when Tkachuk hit him. The NHL will rule on that Sunday, and the debate will consume the hockey world until Game 4 in Sunrise on Monday night. The decision could tilt that night, and with it the series, though Tampa Bay did just fine without Hagel’s talent on Saturday.

“The only players we hit are the ones with pucks,’’ Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said in repeating Panthers coach Paul Maurice’s line after the Hagel hit.

The Panthers remain the only chance for a championship parade in South Florida and another champagne morning at the Elbo Room on Fort Lauderdale beach like last summer.

But Saturday showed how difficult that road will be, right from this first series. Tampa Bay has championship pedigree, just as the Panthers. They didn’t fold and scored five straight goals after Tkachuk scored the game-opening goal.

“I’m not feeling like (Saturday) was an aberration to how I thought this would go,’’ Maurice said. “It’s going to be a grinder straight through.”

As for the Heat, the common thought is the series is over after Cleveland outclassed them for a third straight game.

If only that were true.

There’s one more Cleveland win to play out, which means the chance things can get uglier than Saturday. The Heat continued to show their season highlight was winning the two play-in games just to reach the playoffs after Jimmy Butler’s exit wrecked the season.

After taking a 15-6 lead, the Heat didn’t compete Saturday. The signature sequence of the game was the Heat throwing up consecutive air balls before half and Cleveland scoring an easy basket inside for a 62-42 lead.

“We laid an egg today,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

No NBA team has rallied to win a series from a 3-0 playoff deficit. That about sums up the Heat’s chances.

“We’re going to play until the final buzzer, whether that’s next game, Game 5, 6 7 or another series after this,’’ guard Tyler Herro said. “We just got to keep playing. That’s what we’re paid to do and that’s who we are as an organization.”

The good news: Team president Pat Riley can start whale hunting in one more game to replace Butler.

As for the Dolphins, everyone knows the draft is about tomorrow. But their big move Saturday was to trade a fourth-round pick in part for a later pick Saturday and a 2026 third-round pick.

Maybe this under-fire management team did what’s best for the franchise. Maybe this needy roster could have got added help for this season. Maybe it’s just best to say as little as possible about third days of drafts.

The one chance for marquee interest with a late-round pick was to take Sanders, the free-fallin’ Colorado quarterback. The Dolphins kicked off their Saturday by taking Maryland tackle Jordan Phillips with the sixth pick of the fifth round. Cleveland took Sanders with the following pick.

All in all, a Saturday that could have been epic instead fizzled as the afternoon played out. The Heat lost. The Panthers lost. The Dolphins had a typically ignorable third day of the draft.

And the bad day’s not done, as Tkachuk’s hit plays out Sunday.

Panthers beaten by Lightning in Game 3 | PHOTOS

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 14:07
Florida Panthers beaten by Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round, Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Today in History: April 26, the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 01:00

Today is Saturday, April 26, the 116th day of 2025. There are 249 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On April 26, 1986, in the worst nuclear disaster in history, an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout to begin spewing into the atmosphere. Dozens of people were killed in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, while the long-term death toll from radiation poisoning is believed to number in the thousands.

Also on this date:

In 1607, English colonists went ashore at present-day Cape Henry, Virginia, on an expedition to establish the first permanent English settlement in the Western Hemisphere.

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In 1865, John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, was surrounded by federal troops near Port Royal, Virginia, and killed.

In 1913, Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old worker at a Georgia pencil factory, was strangled; Leo Frank, the factory superintendent, was convicted of her murder and sentenced to death. (Frank’s death sentence was commuted, but he was lynched by an antisemitic mob in 1915.)

In 1964, the African nations of Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form what is now known as Tanzania.

In 1977, the legendary nightclub Studio 54 had its opening night in New York.

In 1994, voting began in South Africa’s first all-race elections, which resulted in victory for the African National Congress and the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president.

In 2000, Vermont Gov. Howard Dean signed the nation’s first bill allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions.

In 2012, former Liberian President Charles Taylor became the first head of state since World War II to be convicted by an international war crimes court as he was found guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, and the use of child soldiers. (Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison.)

In 2018, comedian Bill Cosby was convicted of drugging and molesting Temple University employee Andrea Constand at Cosby’s suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004. (Cosby was later sentenced to three to 10 years in prison, but Pennsylvania’s highest court threw out the conviction and released him from prison in June 2021, ruling that the prosecutor in the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge Cosby.)

Today’s Birthdays:
  • Actor-comedian Carol Burnett is 92.
  • Composer-producer Giorgio Moroder is 85.
  • Olympic swimming gold medalist Donna de Varona is 78.
  • Actor Giancarlo Esposito is 67.
  • Actor Joan Chen is 64.
  • Actor Jet Li is 62.
  • Actor-comedian Kevin James is 60.
  • Former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey is 59.
  • Actor Marianne Jean-Baptiste is 58.
  • First lady Melania Trump is 55.
  • Singer Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (TLC) is 55.
  • Country musician Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) is 54.
  • Actor Tom Welling is 48.
  • Actor Pablo Schreiber is 47.
  • Actor Jordana Brewster is 45.
  • Actor Channing Tatum is 45.
  • New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is 33.

What to know about the funeral and burial of Pope Francis

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 00:15

By LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death set off mourning across the Catholic world and days of ritual at the Vatican. Here are the key things to know about the funeral of the first Latin American pontiff in the church’s history:

When and where is his funeral being held?

His funeral is being held on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. Francis will then be buried, according to his will: in a simple underground tomb at St. Mary Major Basilica. The church is home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.

The sealing of the coffin

The night before the funeral, the camerlengo presided over the closing and sealing of the coffin, in the presence of other senior cardinals. A white cloth was placed over Francis’ face.

A bag containing coins minted during his papacy was placed in the coffin along with a one-page written account of his papacy — known in Italian as a “rogito,” a word indicating an official deed. It was read aloud by the master of liturgical ceremonies and then rolled up and slipped inside a cylindrical tube that was placed inside the coffin. Another copy is kept in the Vatican archives. The covers of both the zinc coffin and the wooden one bear a cross and Francis’ papal coat of arms.

Why not at the Vatican?

Francis had said he wanted to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica or its grottoes, where most popes are buried, but in the St. Mary Major Basilica across town. His choice reflects his veneration of an icon of the Virgin Mary that is located there, the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome).

The bell tower of St. Mary Major Basilica, where the burial ceremony of Pope Francis will take place, in Rome, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

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.

Which dignitaries are expected to attend?

Heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, are among those expected for the funeral. Others dignitaries include: Prince William, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and European Council President António Costa.

Show Caption1 of 21The sun rises through a statue as people begin to take their seats in St. Peter’s Square, ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Expand How long did the pope serve?

Pope Francis had a 12-year papacy during which he charmed the world with his humility and concern for the poor. But the Argentina-born pope also alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

So, how do they choose a new pope?

The death of a pope starts a centuries-old ritual to elect a new one, involving sacred oaths by the cardinals, the piercing of ballots with a needle and thread after they’re counted, and then burning them to produce either the white or black smoke to signal if there’s a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

With the burial, the Catholic Church begins nine days of official mourning, known as the “novemdiales”. The date of the conclave to elect a new pope has not yet been announced.

People queue trying to reach St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

In the conclave, the cardinals will vote in secret sessions, and the ballots will be burned in a special stove after each session. Black smoke indicates no pope has been elected; white smoke says the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.

Any baptized Catholic male is eligible, though only cardinals have been selected since 1378. The winner must receive at least two-thirds of the vote from those cardinals under age 80 who are eligible to participate.

Francis appointed the vast majority of electors, often tapping men who share his pastoral priorities, which suggests continuity rather than rupture.

While it’s impossible to predict who the next pope will be, some cardinals are considered to have better chances than others.

Is it like the movie?

Yes and no. “Conclave” the 2024 film, introduced many laypeople to the ancient selection process with its arcane rules and grand ceremony, albeit with a silver screen twist packed full of palace intrigue and surprise.

Vatican experts say the movie excels at re-creating the look and feel of a conclave. But there are discrepancies, errors and some outlandish storylines in the Hollywood version. And while the voting process was depicted accurately, the ballots are burned not after each vote, but after each session.

The legacy of Francis

Francis was known for his personal simplicity, from the choice of his name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced wealth to help the poor, to the outward symbols and priorities of his papacy.

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He chose to live in the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta hotel instead of the Apostolic Palace and wore his old orthotic shoes and not the red loafers of the papacy.

In his teachings, he focused on concern for refugees and other marginalized people. His first trip outside Rome as pope in 2013 was to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa to meet with newly arrived migrants. His plea for welcome put him at odds with U.S. and European policies.

He also also signaled a more welcoming stance toward LGBTQ+ people, while also making the fight against climate change a priority. Francis became the first pope to use scientific data in a major teaching document and made care for God’s creation a hallmark of his papacy.

He eschewed the grandiose even in his departure, lying in state in a simple coffin made of wood.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Photos: From mightiest to humblest, hundreds of thousands gather for Pope Francis’ funeral

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 22:16

VATICAN CITY (AP) — From some of the world’s most powerful leaders to those on society’s margins whom Pope Francis always made a point to minister to, hundreds of thousands of people were expected at the Vatican Saturday for the funeral rites for the late pontiff.

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U.S. President Donald Trump and some 60 other heads of state and reigning sovereigns announced their plans to travel to Rome from around the globe. The Vatican said that “a group of the poor and the needy” would be on the steps of St. Mary Major Basilica to pay homage to the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope before his burial in the church.

The Holy See press office added that the poor had a special place in Francis’ heart. He had chosen for his papacy the name of the medieval Italian saint who famously renounced his family’s wealth when he joined the church.

Already, long lines of the faithful have paid their homage to Francis, who died Monday at age 88, over the three days that his body was lying in state in a simple wooden coffin inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

From the beginning of his papacy in 2013, Francis won over many around the world, Catholic or not, with his advocacy for migrants and the environment. His legacy was more mixed on the topics of clergy sexual abuse and LGBTQ+ outreach, which made waves for increasing inclusion but some criticized for not going far enough.

A nun smiles as she waits ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) People wait for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Cardinals take their seats for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) A nun holds a rosary as she waits for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) A nun looks above the crowds as people gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Faithful, one holding a placard with the Ukrainian flag and reading Francis, pray for us, arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Nuns and other pilgrims look for their seats in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Police officers speak in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A faithful wearing a flag from Argentina arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Nuns and pilgrims make their way to St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Faithful and Swiss Guards are backdropped by St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) A man yawns as people arrive in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) A nun waits in St. Peter’s Square as people arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) A faithful waves a flag with Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old Italian boy who died in 2006 of leukemia and beatified in 2020, at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Faithful rest on the ground outside St Peter’s Basilica waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Faithful arrive ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Faithful stand on a lamppost as they wait for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Faithful wait for the start of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Nadine, from Germany, is waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Faithful rest on the ground ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Faithful sit in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis to begin, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Priests take their seats ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Clergy arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) A Vatican Swiss Guard in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Trump will pay his respects to a pope who publicly and pointedly disagreed with him on some issues

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 22:06

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

ROME (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday was among more than 50 heads of state and other dignitaries attending the funeral of Pope Francis, where he’ll personally pay his respects to the Roman Catholic leader who pointedly disagreed with him on a variety of issues.

Trump arrived at the Vatican with his wife, first lady Melania Trump.

Trump told reporters on Friday as he flew to Rome that he was going to the funeral “out of respect” for the pontiff, who died Monday after suffering a stroke at the age of 88.

Francis sharply disagreed with Trump’s approach on issues including immigration, the treatment of migrants and climate change. The Argentine pontiff and the American president sparred early in their relationship over immigration. In 2016, Francis, alluding to then-candidate Trump and his campaign slogan of “Build the wall,” called anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants “ not Christian.” Trump said the comment was “disgraceful.”

But after Francis’ death, the Republican president praised him as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world.” Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.

Trump had said on a couple of occasions before leaving Washington that he would have “a lot” of meetings with counterparts on the sidelines of the funeral. But he seemed to back away from that as he flew to Rome.

“Frankly, it’s a little disrespectful to have meetings when you’re at the funeral of a pope,” the president told reporters accompanying him aboard Air Force One. Nonetheless, Trump said: “I’ll be talking to people. I’ll be seeing a lot of people.”

The leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Hungary and Argentina are among those expected to attend.

One person Trump didn’t expect to interact with is former President Joe Biden, who planned to attend the funeral with his wife, Jill. Trump said he wasn’t aware his Democratic predecessor would be at the funeral. Asked if they’d meet, Trump said: “It’s not high on my list. It’s really not.”

The pope’s funeral will not be one of those occasions that bring together the current and former U.S. presidents. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are not attending, their offices said. A spokesperson for former President Bill Clinton did not respond to an inquiry about his plans.

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Trump didn’t elaborate when asked if he’d just be meeting leaders in passing or holding more in-depth talks. He suggested he might have meetings at Villa Taverna, the U.S. ambassador’s residence, where he spent the night.

“It’s a little tough because we don’t have much time,” Trump said, noting his late arrival in Rome. He was scheduled to head back to the United States immediately after the funeral.

“I think that we’re going to try and see a couple of people that are important in what we’re doing,” said Trump, who is trying to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and negotiate trade agreements with multiple countries.

He posted on Truth Social shortly after arriving in Rome that Ukraine and Russia should meet for “very high level talks” on ending the bloody three-year war sparked by Russia’s invasion. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Friday, and Trump said both sides were “very close to a deal.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday to attend the funeral, his press office confirmed, joining first lady Olena Zelenska. Putin is not attending.

Pope Francis funeral: Watch live from Vatican City

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 22:03

VATICAN CITY (AP) — As many as 200,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square as he is being laid to rest Saturday.

While dignitaries are to attend, prisoners and migrants will usher him into the basilica where he will be buried, reflecting his priorities as pope.

U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the U.N. chief and European Union leaders are joining Prince William and the Spanish royal family will be in attendance.

Francis is breaking with recent tradition and will be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, where a simple underground tomb awaits him with just his name: Franciscus.

Here is the latest:

Trump and Zelenskyy meet before the service

That’s according to Zelenskyy’s press office.

The White House had no immediate comment.

Shortly after arriving in Rome last Friday, Trump said on social media that Ukraine and Russia should meet for “very high-level talks” on ending the three-year war sparked by Russia’s invasion. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Friday, and Trump said both sides were “very close to a deal.”

Pope Francis’ funeral Mass begins in a packed St. Peter’s Square

Tens of thousands flocked to the funeral, which Francis choreographed himself when he revised and simplified the Vatican’s rites and rituals last year.

Pallbearers carry Pope Francis’ simple wooden coffin

They carried the coffin, adorned with just a crucifix and Francis’ coat of arms, down the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica and out into the square at the start of his funeral.

Red-robbed cardinals lined the path and followed behind as the crowd in the square erupted in applause in a sign of respect.

Cardinals flank pope’s coffin

Cardinals in rich red robes formed a double line in St. Peter’s Basilica, flanking the coffin as it was carried into the square for the funeral Mass. Pallbearers lifted the coffin to applause from the square.

The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Trump takes his seat for the funeral

Trump and his wife, Melania, were escorted out of St. Peter’s Basilica to their seats for the service.

He was followed afterward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was greeted with a burst of applause from the audience.

Giant photographs of Carlo Acutis seen in St. Peter’s Square

Acutis was supposed to have been canonized on Sunday as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.

The Vatican suspended the ceremony after Pope Francis died, but many people who had made plans to be in Rome for the canonization came anyway to attend the funeral. Announcers asked all flags and banners be lowered as the funeral was getting underway.

Bells toll to signal the start of the procession

Francis’ coffin will be brought from St. Peter’s Basilica to the front of the altar in the square.

Mourners were instructed to refrain from waving flags or banners during the procession.

Mourners led in rosary prayer as dignitaries take their seats at Pope Francis’ funeral

World leaders and royalty were sitting to the right of the main altar.

EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei have all made their way to their seating.

The Argentine and Italian leaders have place of pride in the seating order.

Trump arrives at funeral to pay respects to Pope Francis

The U.S. president clashed with the pope on immigration, climate and other issues.

A nun smiles as she waits ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Mourners remember Pope Francis

They spoke of the pontiff in emotional terms while lining up along Via della Conciliazione for Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square.

Miguel Vaca, a pilgrim from Peru, lined up at 7 a.m.

“He was a very charismatic pope, very human, very kind, above all very human,’’ Vaca said. “It’s a very great emotion to say goodbye to him.

Faithful rest on the ground outside St Peter’s Basilica waiting for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Italian pilgrim Pasquale Vezza made his way to the square with his family. He said the pope “was a bit like everyone’s grandfather.”

“He will be greatly missed as a person, as a pope. … Now we hope that there will be a continuation, especially of his message of peace,” Vezza said.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrives in Rome for papal funeral

Zelenskyy arrived in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

His press office confirmed his arrival, joining the first lady Olena Zelenska, who preceded him.

Zelenskyy’s presence was put in doubt after a recent missile attack.

Pope’s coffin will be placed on the back of a popemobile used on a Philippines trip

The pope will get one more ride past the faithful on one of his beloved popemobiles.

The Vatican says for Saturday’s burial procession, his coffin will be placed on the back of a popemobile used during his 2015 trip to the Philippines.

FILE – Pope Francis waves to onlookers from his popemobile as his motorcade passes by on the way to another “Meeting With Families” at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, Jan. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)

The vehicle has been modified so the coffin will be visible to mourners along the nearly 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) route from St. Peter’s Basilica to his place of burial.

The pope reveled in being driven through crowds of faithful whether in St. Peter’s Square or on one of his many foreign trips. His last was on Easter Sunday, when he looped around St. Peter’s Square to the delight of the faithful who had followed his 5-week hospitalization for pneumonia and his recovery at the Vatican.

A Calabria parish group camped out all night to get a good spot

The 13 spent the night in a nearby square. They were already coming to Rome for the planned canonization of the first millennial saint on Sunday, which was suspended by Francis’ death. Instead, they drove up a day early for his funeral.

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“The Lord wanted it this way, so we came all the same,’’ said Sandra De Felice of Anoia in the Calabria region. “For me, this is a sign that we need to be truly humble and charitable. Otherwise, we are nothing.”

Mourners race to find a spot in St Peter’s Square

Ordinary mourners streamed Saturday to get a spot in standing room near the rear of the square surrounding the ancient obelisk, behind VIP seating. The area to the left of the main altar, up the basilica steps, is reserved for celebrants and Catholic hierarchy, while world leaders and royalty will be seated on the right.

Many ran toward the square as barricades opened. Some carried banners for the Jubilee Holy Year that Francis opened in December and will continue despite his death Monday following a stroke.

Gilbert leaves start early for Mariners and Moore’s error helps Marlins win 8-4

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 21:48

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle starter Logan Gilbert left with right forearm tightness after throwing three perfect innings, and second baseman Dylan Moore made a two-out error that led to six unearned runs as the Miami Marlins beat the Mariners 8-4 Friday night.

Gilbert left with a 1-0 lead after Moore, the AL player of the week, homered off Cal Quantrill (2-2) in the second inning, his sixth longball of the season.

Disaster struck for Seattle with two outs in the fifth and emergency reliever Casey Lawrence (1-1) on the mound when Moore couldn’t handle a grounder by Matt Mervis with a runner on first. Liam Hicks and Javier Sanoja followed with RBI singles, and Xavier Edwards singled in a pair. Jesús Sánchez capped the rally with his first homer this season, a two-run shot that made it 6-1.

The Mariners closed within 6-4 in the sixth on a three-run homer by Jorge Polanco — his fifth.

Quantrill allowed four runs on five hits in 5 2/3. Jesus Tinoco got four outs and Calvin Faucher and Ronny Henriquez each pitched a scoreless inning to close it out.

Lawrence allowed eight runs — two earned — on 10 hits in five innings.

Key moment

After the Mariners pulled within 6-4 in the sixth, rookie Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez responded in the eighth with his first career homer, a two-run shot.

Key stat

Gilbert threw 20 of 29 pitches for strikes. He threw eight shutout innings against Miami last season in one of his two road wins over the Marlins.

Up next

RHP Connor Gillispie (0-2, 6.75) starts for the Marlins on Saturday. The Mariners counter with RHP Luis Castillo (2-2, 4.44).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Mighty and meek attend Pope Francis’ funeral, a ceremony he helped reimagine

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 21:38

By NICOLE WINFIELD and COLLEEN BARRY, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — World leaders and Catholic faithful bade farewell to Pope Francis in a funeral Saturday reflecting his priorities as pope and wishes as pastor. Though presidents and princes attended the Mass in St. Peter’s Square, prisoners and migrants will welcome him into the basilica across town where he will be laid to rest.

Some 200,000 people flocked to the funeral, held on a brilliant spring day that was supposed to have been a special Holy Year celebration for adolescents. Perhaps because so many young people were on hand, the somber ceremony still had a festive mood, with mourners taking selfies amid the hymns as Francis’ simple coffin was brought out of St. Peter’s Basilica at the start of the Mass.

Francis had choreographed the funeral himself when he revised and simplified the Vatican’s rites and rituals last year. His aim was to emphasize the pope’s role as a mere pastor and not “a powerful man of this world.”

It was a reflection of Francis’ 12-year project to radically reform the papacy, to stress priests as servants and to construct “a poor church for the poor.” He articulated the mission just days after his 2013 election and it explained the name he chose as pope, honoring St. Francis of Assisi “who had the heart of the poor of the world,” according to the official decree of the pope’s life that was placed in his simple wooden coffin before it was sealed Friday night.

Despite Francis’ focus on the powerless, the powerful were at his funeral. U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, and European Union leaders joined Prince William and European royals leading more than 160 official delegations. Argentine President Javier Milei had the pride of place given Francis’ nationality, even if the two didn’t particularly get along and the pope alienated many Argentines by never returning home.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

The white facade of St. Peter’s glowed pink as the sun rose Saturday and hordes of mourners rushed into the square. Giant television screens were set up along the surrounding streets for those who couldn’t get close. The Mass and funeral procession — with Francis’ coffin carried on the open-topped popemobile he used during his 2015 trip to the Philippines — were also being broadcast live around the world.

Police helicopters whirled overhead, part of the massive security operation Italian authorities mounted, including more than 2,500 police and 1,500 soldiers and a torpedo ship off the coast, Italian media reported.

Many mourners had planned to be in Rome anyway this weekend for the now-postponed Holy Year canonization of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, and groups of scouts and youth church groups nearly outnumbered the gaggles of nuns and seminarians.

“He was a very charismatic pope, very human, very kind, above all very human,” said Miguel Vaca, a pilgrim from Peru who said he had camped out near the piazza. “It is a very great emotion to say goodbye to him.”

Show Caption1 of 32Clergy are seated for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Expand The poor and marginalized welcome him

Francis, the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope, died Easter Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke while recovering at home from pneumonia.

Following his funeral, preparations can begin in earnest to launch the centuries-old process of electing a new pope, a conclave that will likely begin in the first week of May. In the interim, the Vatican is being run by a handful of cardinals, key among them Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals who is presiding at the funeral and organizing the secret voting in the Sistine Chapel.

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Francis is breaking with recent tradition and will be laid to rest in St. Mary Major Basilica, near Rome’s main train station, where a simple tomb awaits him with just his name: Franciscus. As many as 300,000 people are expected to line the 2.5-mile motorcade route that will bring Francis’ coffin from the Vatican through the center of Rome to the basilica after the funeral.

Forty special guests, organized by the Vatican’s Caritas charity and the Sant’Egidio community, will greet his coffin at the basilica, honoring the marginalized groups Francis prioritized as pope: homeless people and migrants, prisoners and transgender people.

“The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God,” the Vatican quoted Francis as saying in explaining the choice.

A special relationship with the basilica

Even before he became pope, Francis had a particular affection for St. Mary Major, home to a Byzantine-style icon of the Madonna, the Salus Populi Romani, to which Francis was particularly devoted. He would pray before it before and after each of his foreign trips as pope.

The choice of the basilica is also symbolically significant given its ties to Francis’ Jesuit religious order. St. Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Jesuits, celebrated his first Mass in the basilica on Christmas Day in 1538.

Crowds waited hours to bid farewell to Francis

Over three days this week, more than 250,000 people stood for hours in line to pay their final respects while Francis’ body lay in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican kept the basilica open through the night to accommodate them, but it wasn’t enough. When the doors closed to the general public at 7 p.m. on Friday, mourners were turned away in droves.

By dawn Saturday, they were back and ready to say a final farewell, some recalling the words he uttered the very first night of his election and throughout his papacy.

“We are here to honor him because he always said ‘don’t forget to pray for me,’” said Sister Christiana Neenwata from Biafrana, Nigeria. “So we are also here to give to him this love that he gave to us.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Chris Perkins: 10 players available for Dolphins on Day 3 of NFL draft

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 20:33

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins have seven picks in Saturday’s final day of the NFL draft, which features rounds four through seven.

The Dolphins have one pick in the fourth round (116), three picks in the fifth (Nos. 143, 150 and 155) and three picks in the seventh (Nos. 224, 231 and 253) on Saturday.

Here are 10 players who could be available for the Dolphins and fit their needs:

Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

McCord (6 foot 3, 218 pounds), projected as a fourth-rounder, shows promise as a dropback passer with 34 TDs and 12 INTs. He’d definitely be viewed as a backup to QB Tua Tagovailoa in 2025, and it’s unknown if he’d ever be viewed as a starter. He’s not especially elusive but his arm strength is impressive.

Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

Williams (6-6, 317) is a projected fourth-round RT who is long-armed but with shaky feet. He’s only a one-year starter so there are questions about his full body of work on film. He’s probably a better run blocker than pass blocker.

Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech

Peebles (6-1, 282) is a fifth- or sixth-round projection who totaled 31 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss last season. He’s quick and instinctive, which keeps him afloat despite his relatively small size.

Jalen Rivers, G-T, Miami

Rivers (6-6, 319) is projected as a fourth-round pick but he’s been battling injury problems his entire career. He has amazing versatility as he can play all five positions but he’s probably best suited for guard. He’s limited athletically but has a high football IQ.

Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

Martinez (6-0, 217), a power runner who has some speed, is projected as a sixth-round pick. He rushed for 1,002 yards with 10 TDs last season. He’s strong enough to serve as a short-yardage runner but fast enough to make big plays.

Related Articles Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse

Gadsden (6-5, 243), the son of ex-Dolphins WR Oronde Gadsden, is an All America selection who had 73 receptions for 934 yards receiving and 7 TDs. Gadsden has great hands and feet but not enough to lift his draft outlook. 

Jackson Slater, G-T, Sacramento State

Slater (6-3, 311), projected as a fifth-round pick, was a star at the Senior Bowl because of his versatility. He’s a bit slow-footed but other than that he’s got decent athleticism. 

Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF

McWilliams (5-10, 191), projected as a fifth-round pick, is an aggressive tackler who is better suited for zone coverage. He can play nickel/slot so he has position versatility. He has special teams value so he’ll play as a rookie.  

Clay Webb, G-C, Jacksonville State

Webb (6-3, 312) is a left guard who is projected as a fifth- or sixth-round pick. He has position versatility because he can play center, which was his position when he signed with Georgia. He might be better suited at center in the NFL.

Tim Smith, DT, Alabama

Smith (6-4, 302) is a workmanlike player who is projected as a fifth- or sixth-round pick. His strength is a question against better competition but he has good fundamentals. 

St. Thomas Aquinas’ Mason Taylor goes to Jets in second round, Boca Raton’s Ashton Gillotte picked by Chiefs in third

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 19:23

LSU’s Mason Taylor, the son of Jason Taylor and nephew of Zach Thomas, both Hall of Fame defensive players for the Miami Dolphins, was selected as a tight end with the 42nd selection in the 2025 NFL draft on Friday night.

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Taylor became the 38th graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School to be drafted into the NFL.

Taylor, a 6-foot-5 pass-catcher, hauled in 129 passes for 1,308 yard and six touchdowns in his three years at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jason Taylor, in the penultimate season of his career, played for the Jets in 2010.

Michael Laughlin/Sun SentinelAmerican Heritage safety Daemon Fagan attempts to tackle St. Thomas Aquinas tight end Mason Taylor during their game on Sept. 10, 2021.

Two-dozen selections later, Louisville pass rusher Ashton Gillotte, the Sun Sentinel’s 2020 Palm Beach County large-schools defensive player of the year with Boca Raton High School, was drafted by defending three-time AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs at No. 66.

Gillotte was honored after finishing his senior season with the Bobcats with 55 tackles, 10 sacks and nine tackles for loss in seven games.

He went on to Louisville, where he piled up 25.5 career sacks with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Susan Stocker / South Florida Sun SentinelAshton Gillotte, a defensive end for Boca Raton High, is a Sun Sentinel Player of the Year for Palm Beach County.

Lightning’s Hagel suspended for Game 3 for his late hit that injured Panthers’ Barkov

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 18:56

NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Hagel will miss Game 3 of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first-round playoff series after getting suspended for his late hit that knocked Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov out of Game 2.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety suspended Hagel for a game for interference after a disciplinary hearing with him earlier Friday. Game 3 is Saturday at 1 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

Florida coach Paul Maurice said Barkov had not been ruled out but also had not been cleared to play, adding he has multiple lineup options if one of the best all-around forwards in the league was not available.

Hagel was assessed a major penalty for interference after sending Barkov hurtling into the boards with the puck gone midway through the third period. Barkov left and did not return, and the call of a major penalty was upheld by on-ice officials after video review.

The defending Stanley Cup-champion Panthers lead the cross-state rivalry series two games to none and can push the Lightning to the brink of elimination with another victory.

  
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