Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican mourns the loss of a humble leader

Pope Francis, a renowned figure and the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic church has died at the age of 88. The announcement was made by Vatican in a video statement shared on Monday announcing the heartbreaking news.  

The renowned catholic figure was suffering from various health ailments in his 12-year-papacy, however his health recently turned even more severe to which he was also admitted to hospital for several days.  

The Vatican in the video statement they shared announced, “Dear Brothers and Sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.” 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell appeared in the video announcing the heartbreaking news and he added that the Bishop of Rome has returned to the house of the father.  

Where will be the Burial of Pope Francis will take place?  

Pope Francis earlier to his death had expressed his desire to be buried at Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica rather than St Peter’s Basilica. This marks for the first time a pope is being buried outside the Vatican in more than 100 years.  

He also expressed that he wishes to be buried in single coffin and rejected the tradition of Pope’s being buried in three coffins. Pope Francis claimed that he wanted a Coffin made up of wood and zinc, which further reflects him as a humble pastor.  

When did Pope Francis appeared for the last time in public?  

The Pope notably made his last public appearance on Easter, when he addressed the crowd estimated more than 35,000 people. He made the appearance from Basilica’s balcony and had a special and traditional reading of his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ which means ‘To the city and the World’. 

On the same day Pope Francis met the Vice President JD Vance and had a meaningful conversation with him. JD Vance also shared a social media post of this meeting and expressed his delight stating that it was an honour for him to meet him during the holy week.

As soon as the Vatican announced the death of the Pope, thousands of people started to gather at the St Peter’s Square, awaiting a final appearance of the Pope. The conditions in the Vatican City have turned into a national mourning. While international leaders and netizens express their condolences to the pope, it is to be noted that the Vatican is yet to announce the date of burial for the Pope.