Mangaluru: Prominent Christian Priest of the city Fr . Denis Castelino passed away on Friday (February 1) aged 73, in Mangaluru.

Founder of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine in Kalmady, Fr . Denis was ordained in 1971 and had went on to serve as the parish priest after serving as assistant parish priest.

Popular among the people as ‘People’s Priest’ Fr. Denis was also known for his social work and as a prominent writer.

Fr. Denis is also credited for initiating the famous community weddings at Rosario Cathedral in Mangaluru.

Local Christian community mourned the death of Fr. Denis.

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Tehran: Iran’s Constitution clearly outlines the procedure to be followed in the event of the death, resignation, or incapacity of the Supreme Leader. The framework is set out in Article 111, which governs the transfer of authority and the selection of a successor.

Since 1989, the position of Supreme Leader has been held by Ali Khamenei. Under Iran’s political system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Supreme Leader is the highest authority in the country, overseeing key state institutions including the armed forces and the judiciary.

According to Article 111, if the office of the Supreme Leader becomes vacant, a temporary leadership body assumes responsibilities until a new leader is appointed.

This interim body consists of three members:
The President of Iran
The Head of the Judiciary
A senior cleric from the Guardian Council

This council is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Supreme Leader on a provisional basis.

The authority to appoint a new Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic jurists elected to oversee and, if necessary, select or dismiss the Supreme Leader.

Upon a vacancy, the Assembly of Experts convenes to review eligible candidates. The selection is made through internal deliberations and a majority decision in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Article 111 also provides that if the Supreme Leader is found unable to perform constitutional duties, the Assembly of Experts has the authority to remove him from office.

The constitutional mechanism is designed to ensure continuity of leadership through a defined institutional process, with temporary authority vested in the interim council until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.