Sarah Turnnidge
BBC News, West of England
Jonathan Fido
BBC Radio Wiltshire
BBCA choir which had been set to perform in the Vatican will instead join thousands of mourners following the death of Pope Francis.
Rhythmix Goa, based in Swindon, Wiltshire, had been due to perform in front of a crowd of 100,000 people after being selected by bishops to be part of the Jubilee of Teenagers from 25-27 April.
However, the musical event, designed as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year celebrations, has been cancelled following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Vance Gregory Machado, who started the choir in 2017, said the group would still travel to pay their respects. He added that the news was “very painful”, but that the Pope’s “legacy lives on”.
Mr Machado explained that he had been left “devastated” by Pope Francis’ death, particularly after he had been given the chance to meet him in October.
He had asked the pontiff for “his blessings” for the choir to perform at the Jubilee celebration during the meeting.
Mr Machado described the moment of meeting the Pope as “absolutely beautiful” and the “best day of my life”, adding: “He treated every decision with a lot of wisdom and love.”
Rex FeaturesHis words mirror those of mourners around the world, with widespread tributes from worshippers and world leaders alike emerging since the news broke on Monday morning.
Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday – the same day as the now-cancelled musical celebration had been due to be held.
Mr Machado still plans to take the group of 100 children, supported by 110 parents, to the Vatican but they will instead form part of the crowd of mourners set to line the streets for the Pope’s funeral.
“The children are a bit sad,” Mr Machado said.
“But we still have our hopes high because Pope Francis wouldn’t want any children to be disappointed because of his sad demise.
“He always wanted us to ascend the flame and keep the Catholic faith going.”
The Jubilee, held every 25 years, is a significant date in the Catholic faith which sees pilgrims from around the world visit the Vatican and events held throughout the year.
It began on 24 December 2024 and ends on 6 January 2026.
BBC News
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App
31% OffPowerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs. Personalised Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the c... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones in Ear with HiFi Stereo Deep Bass, 40H Playtime Wireless Earphones mit 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, IP7 Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds, LED Display, Fast Charge
£129.99 (as of 12/05/2025 16:36 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Newest Bluetooth 5.3 Technology: These wireless earbuds feature the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring seamless and stable connectivity with your devices, greater range, and improved immunity to interference, providing a superior listening exp... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with HiFi Stereo Deep Bass, 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic Wireless Earphones 48H Playtime, Bluetooth Earbuds LED Display, IP7 Waterproof, Bright Black
£139.99 (as of 12/05/2025 15:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Powerful Deep Bass Bluetooth Earphones: Surging Bass Shock - The 13.2mm four-magnet dynamic large drive unit combined with Luckyrao's professional sound effects and meticulous tuning, provides the Y20 with more than 30% drive power and a low frequenc... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear buds with HiFi Stereo Deep Bass 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic Wireless Earphones 48H Playtime, Bluetooth Earbuds LED Display, IP7 Waterproof, Fast Charge
£139.99 (as of 12/05/2025 15:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Powerful Deep Bass Bluetooth Earphones: Surging Bass Shock - The 13.2mm four-magnet dynamic large drive unit combined with FUJIAXIN's professional sound effects and meticulous tuning, provides the Y90 with more than 30% drive power and a low frequenc... read more
Wireless Earbuds,Bluetooth 5.3 in Ear Headphones with Noise Cancelling Mic, 48H Playtime HiFi Stereo Bluetooth Earphones, IPX8 Waterproof Touch Control True Wireless Headphones for iPhone/Android/IOS
£13.99 (as of 12/05/2025 15:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)NEW Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Technology and Effortless Pairing: YHFvesv Wireless headphones adopt the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 Technology. The latest chip ensures the solid connection,fast transmission. These wireless earbuds would instant paired once ta... read more
Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds – Small, Light, Bluetooth In Ear Headphones with Multipoint Connection, Ambient Sound, IPX4 Rating, Spotify Tap, Quick Charge, 22 HR Battery, iOS & Android - Black
27% OffINTRODUCING THE SONY WF-C510 EARBUDS: Incredibly comfortable, with fantastic sound quality, and packed full of features, these are amongst our smallest and lightest earbuds yet! HIGH-QUALITY SOUND, TAILORED TO YOU: Drawing on decades of Sony audio ex... read more
soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4, App Control
22% Off2-in-1 Charging Case and Phone Stand: Enjoy hands-free viewing without the hassle. Simply open the back panel of the case, place your phone on the stand, and catch up on your favorite shows—watching while traveling has never been easier! Strong and S... read more
VEKJ Wireless Earbuds with Smart Touch Screen, Mini Sleep Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones In Ear with Noise Cancelling Mic, 48H Bass Stereo Ear Buds, 5 EQ Modes/IP7 Waterproof Earphones Black
78% OffAll-Night Restful Sleep: L8 Pro sleep earbuds are meticulously designed for sleep enthusiasts! Featuring soft, detachable silicone ear tips with a finely polished finish, they ensure a snug fit in the ear canal, effectively blocking out external nois... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones In Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, Btootos New Bluetooth Earbuds Mini Deep Bass Stereo Sound, 36H Playtime LED Display Wireless Earphones IP7 Waterproof
33% OffBluetooth 5.3 Technology : The green wireless earbuds use the bluetooth 5.3 chipset. There is a faster and more stable signal transmission and has successfully achieved low latency without interruption. Even if you put the mobile phone in your pocket... read more
Sony WF-C700N Wireless, Bluetooth, Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Small, Lightweight Earbuds with Multi-Point Connection, IPX4 rating, up to 20 HR battery, Quick Charge, iOS & Android) Black
39% OffALL-DAY COMFORT: The small and lightweight ergonomic design is made with your comfort in mind – even for smaller ears – so you can focus on your music for as long as you like with these ear buds NO DISTRACTIONS: It’s just you and your music – use Dig... read more
The List of Suspicious Things: The No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller
45% Off
Best Sellers: Peter Sellers - A Life in Comedy
15% OffNew Store Stock
The Women: The Instant Number One Bestseller from the author of The Nightingale
50% Off
Love Untold: The joyful Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club pick from the Gavin & Stacey co-creator
50% Off
The Wrong Sister: The instant Number 1 Sunday Times bestseller! Discover the new gripping psychological thriller
50% Off
Wrong Place Wrong Time: How do you stop a murder when it’s already happened? THE MILLION-COPY INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
£0.99 (as of 12/05/2025 15:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Best Electronic Deals.
Discover the Best Electronic Deals on Amazon Today. Grab Hot Discounts on Top Tech! Don't Miss Out! 🔥 Save Big Now!
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20, 5 Quart
$24.97 (as of 12/05/2025 21:50 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 24-oz, Blue/Teal (Denim)
$29.99 (as of 12/05/2025 21:50 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Tenant
$14.39 (as of 12/05/2025 21:50 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Drift Car Air Freshener - Wood Air Freshener - Car Odor Eliminator - Teak Scent Starter Kit
$12.95 (as of 12/05/2025 21:50 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
