Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure, according to a medical report issued by the Vatican. The death certificate, released on Monday, details that the pontiff fell into a coma prior to his death, which occurred at 7:35 AM local time in his Santa Marta residence within the Vatican.
In a poignant final public appearance the day before his passing, Pope Francis welcomed thousands of Easter worshippers from an open-top popemobile in St. Peter’s Square. During this event, he offered blessings through an aide, showcasing his dedication to the global Catholic community up until his last moments.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis faced various health challenges, including recent life-threatening complications from double pneumonia that required an extended hospital stay at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital. This latest health crisis was compounded by previously undisclosed conditions such as arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectasis, and type 2 diabetes, all of which contributed to his declining health, as indicated in the death certificate.
The Vatican also made public Francis’s spiritual testament, revealing his heartfelt wishes for burial at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, a departure from tradition as many of his predecessors were interred at St. Peter’s Basilica. He expressed a desire for a simple burial, requesting to be laid to rest “in the ground, without particular decoration,” marked only with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus. His testament, penned in 2022, conveys a deep hope for eternal life and gratitude toward those who have supported him.
In remembrance of Pope Francis, the Vatican held its first public commemoration with a rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti at sunset. Sister Raffaella Petrini, a prominent figure in the Vatican and an advocate for women’s leadership within the Church, participated in the service, emphasizing Pope Francis’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
The passing of Pope Francis initiates a nine-day mourning period, known as the Novendiale, during which his body will lie in state for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica. Daily prayer services and Requiem Masses are scheduled across Catholic churches worldwide, honoring his contributions to the faith and his transformative impact on the Church.
As the Vatican enters the sede vacante, or interregnum, the governance temporarily shifts to the College of Cardinals, who will prepare to elect a new pope in a conclave set to take place in the coming weeks. This moment in history serves as a reflection of Pope Francis’s legacy and the enduring spirit of the Catholic faith.
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