Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21st at the age of 88 at his Vatican residence.
On 14th February, the Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from bronchitis.
A few days later, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and spent 38 days in the hospital before returning to his residence to recover.
His passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. He said:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Despite the Pope’s bouts of double pneumonia this year, the unfortunate news came as a shock to masses.
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As just recently on Easter he was driven around St. peter’s square in an open-air popemobile with cheerful crowds waving at him.
World leaders also paid their tributes, appreciating Pope Francis’ efforts to reform the worldwide church.
U.S President Donald Trump said in an online message, “”Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saw him as an inspiration for millions, even beyond the Catholic Church and praised his “humility and love” for the less fortunate.
Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he knew how to foster unity and give hope.
With his passing, the Novendiale – the nine days of mourning – has begun.
His body will be dressed in papal vestments and placed in an open casket at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing over the next three days.
Following this, final rites will take place and upon his wish, Pope Francis will be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino.
Only seven popes in the past have been buried here, with quite a majority buried in the Vatican Grottoes.
In 2023, the Pope also revised the future funeral plans for popes, making them less extravagant.
From now on, all popes – including Francis himself – will be buried in a single coffin made of wood and zinc, as opposed to the traditional three coffins (cypress, lead and elm) placed one inside the other.
Meanwhile, masses are curious as to who the next pope will be.
The College of Cardinals will decide on this, and will be locked away in conclave within the Vatican until a consensus is reached.
Once the cardinals have elected the next pope, the black smoke from the Sistine Chapel will be replaced by white smoke, signaling to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
Interestingly, early 80% of the cardinal electors responsible for choosing the next pope have been appointed by Francis.
Therefore, the likelihood of the next Pope continuing Francis’ progressive policies are high.
His progressive policies, while praised by many, were also criticized by many conservatives.
He gave more opportunities to women within hierarchical positions.
The pope also emphasized upon transparency and accountability with the Vatican.
He also recognized and spoke against sexual misconduct by clerics and new rules were put in place to defrock clergy guilty of sexual abuse.
Moreover, Pope Francis also spoke in favor of gay rights, saying that homosexuality is not a crime and called for the removal of laws criminalizing homosexuality.
Throughout his papacy, the Pope has frequently spoken about minority rights and modern issues such as climate change.
