Pope Francis Dies at 88, Requested Simple Burial Outside Vatican
VATICAN CITY (Archyde.com) — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman catholic Church and a figure revered by millions worldwide, died Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement released by the Vatican. he was 88.
The Vatican confirmed that francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time due to complications from a stroke and subsequent heart failure. An electrocardiogram (ECG) confirmed the cause of death.
Francis had a history of health issues, including multiple bronchiectasis, arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. He was hospitalized twice in February for severe pneumonia and had a part of one lung removed earlier in his life.Despite these challenges, he maintained a demanding schedule, traveling extensively and speaking out on issues of social justice, economic inequality, and climate change.
A Departure from Tradition
In a move that breaks with centuries of custom, Pope Francis requested to be buried in the Basilica of saint Mary Major in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood, instead of the customary papal burial site in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. He frequently visited the basilica to pray before and after his international trips, including a visit on Apr. 12.
According to the text of his will released by the Vatican, Francis desired a burial “in the ground, without particular decoration” and with only his papal name, “Franciscus,” inscribed in Latin.
“The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major,” the late Pope said in his will.”I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Exceptional Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
While papal funerals are typically elaborate affairs, francis simplified the rites for papal funerals last year, signaling his desire for a more humble farewell.
Procession, Mourning, and the Conclave
His body was moved to a coffin in the chapel of Casa Santa marta Monday night. The coffin will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica where it will lie in state starting Wednesday, allowing the public to pay their respects. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists have already gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where prayers for the Pope were held Monday evening.
Cardinals will convene Tuesday morning to determine the date of the funeral, which, in accordance with tradition, must occur between four and six days after the death. A nine-day period of official mourning will follow the funeral.
The death of Pope francis sets in motion the complex process of selecting his successor. Cardinals from across the globe will travel to Rome for a conclave, a secret election held in the Sistine Chapel. Approximately 138 cardinals are eligible to vote in the conclave, which must begin its deliberations within 20 days.
Potential contenders for the papacy who were discussed even before Francis’s death include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, a progressive voice within the Church; Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. The composition of the College of Cardinals, shaped by Francis’s appointments, is expected to play a significant role in the selection of the next Pope.
Tributes from Around the World
World leaders have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis. President Trump said he would attend Francis’s funeral, posting on social media: “Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” Former President Joe Biden said Francis would be “remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time,” and Barack Obama said he was a “rare leader who made us want to be better people.”
A Legacy of Reform and Compassion
FrancisS pontificate, which began in March 2013, was marked by his advocacy for the poor, his critique of economic inequality, and his efforts to address the clerical sexual abuse crisis. He famously expressed his wish for a “poor church and a church for the poor.” He was a staunch advocate for refugees, saying they “should not be treated as ‘pawns on the chessboard of humanity.’”
Did you know? Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the americas.
his views on capitalism,in which he called it the “dung of the devil,” and environmentalism created rifts with various groups. His efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and address the sexual abuse scandals within the Church also faced resistance from some conservative factions.As one of his most noted actions, Pope Francis summoned bishops from around the world to Rome in 2019 to discuss the crisis. He later “issued an edict requiring priests and nuns to report sexual abuse and its cover-up to the church authorities, and guaranteeing protection for whistleblowers.”
Despite the criticisms,his emphasis on compassion,dialog,and outreach resonated with manny Catholics and non-Catholics alike. On his many trips abroad, Francis was greeted like a rock star, with hundreds of thousands – sometimes millions – waiting for hours for a glimpse of the diminutive, white-robed figure in his open-sided popemobile.
“Happiness… is not an app that you can download on your phones,” Francis told Catholic youth in April 2016, encouraging them to reject materialism.
Counterargument: Some critics argue that Francis’s focus on social issues and his open approach to certain theological debates alienated more conservative members of the Church. Though, his supporters maintain that his efforts were necessary to modernize the Church and make it more relevant to contemporary challenges, such as inequality and environmental degradation.
Pro tip: Stay informed about the upcoming conclave by following reputable news organizations and Vatican experts. The selection of the next Pope will have significant implications for the future of the Catholic Church.
FAQ
When will the next Pope be chosen? the conclave to elect the next Pope must begin within 20 days of Pope Francis’s death.
who is eligible to vote in the conclave? Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. Where will the conclave take place? The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
What are some of the major issues the next Pope will face? the next Pope will likely address issues such as clerical sexual abuse, declining church attendance in some regions, and the Church’s role in addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty.
* How do I stay informed about the Church’s transition in leadership? Reputable news organizations and Vatican experts will be providing regular updates on the conclave and the selection of the next Pope.
How will Pope Francis’s focus on social justice and environmentalism continue to shape teh Catholic Church’s approach to these issues?
Archyde Exclusive: The Legacy of Pope Francis and the Future of the Catholic Church with Father Gabriel Rossi
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, father rossi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the passing of Pope Francis and the implications for the catholic Church. For our readers who may not be as familiar, could you provide some context on Pope Francis’s papacy?
A Summary of His Holiness
Father Gabriel Rossi: Certainly. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario bergoglio, served as the 266th pontiff, beginning his papacy in March 2013. His tenure was marked by a significant focus on social justice, environmentalism, and reform within the Church. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, which in itself was a historic milestone.
A Pontiff Gone Too Soon
Archyde News Editor: We’ve learned about the specific details of his death.
Father Gabriel Rossi: Indeed. It’s a great loss. His call was “a poor church and a church for the poor” has undoubtedly left an undeniable mark on the Church and the world. His simple burial request is a testament to his humility–a quality highly valued by Catholics and beyond. he will be missed profoundly.
Breaking With Tradition
Archyde News Editor: Regarding his burial request, burying him within the Basilica of Saint Mary Major rather of the customary papal burial site is a departure from tradition. Why do you think he made this choice?
Father Gabriel Rossi: I believe it reflects his desire for simplicity and his deep connection to the Basilica. He had a personal relationship with that particular church, and this choice can be interpreted as an act of devotion and perhaps a wish to be closer to the people and the everyday life of the Church. It is another example of what he wanted for himself personally.
The Upcoming Conclave
Archyde News Editor: The death of Pope Francis triggers the process of selecting the next Pope. what can you tell us about the conclave and the factors that may influence the selection?
Father Gabriel Rossi: The conclave is a complex process. Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pontiff. The composition of the College of cardinals, which Pope Francis shaped through his appointments, will be a significant factor. Potential issues the next Pope will face are the clerical sexual abuse crisis, declining attendance, and the Church’s role in addressing global issues like climate change and poverty. The church still faces challenges and will need a strong leader capable of navigating those complexities.
Archyde News Editor: Some names, potential successors, are already being mentioned in Vatican circles. Can you give us more insight into possible candidates and their chances?
Father Gabriel rossi: There are indeed some cardinals who are frequently discussed. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a progressive voice; pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines are among those mentioned. However, the selection is highly confidential, and predicting the outcome is impossible. The cardinals themselves will have to decide who is best suited to lead the Church at this crucial moment.
Challenges and Opportunities
Archyde News Editor: What are some of the most critical issues the next Pope will need to address?
Father Gabriel Rossi: Addressing the clerical sexual abuse crisis and restoring trust within the Church will certainly be a priority. The next pontiff must also navigate the growing divide among Catholics regarding moral and theological issues. Encouraging open communication, compassion, and an understanding of various viewpoints will be critically important.
Reflections on Pope Francis’s Legacy
Archyde News Editor: Pope Francis’s papacy generated strong reactions, both positive and negative. What do you believe will be his lasting legacy?
Father Gabriel Rossi: Pope Francis’s lasting legacy will undoubtedly be his emphasis on compassion, social justice, and his efforts to make the Church more relevant. He traveled the world to connect with people from all walks of life. His outreach resonated widely, and although some questioned his methods or views, his devotion to the poor, the marginalized, and the habitat will be remembered and recognized for generations.
A Question For You
Archyde News Editor: Thank you. Father Rossi, our audience will appreciate your insights. As a final thought, what do you think is the single most critically important lesson or message Pope Francis wanted to leave behind for the Church?
Father Gabriel Rossi: I believe it was his call to action, his exhortation. A call for the faithful to “go out” and connect with others, to meet people where they are, to meet the world with an open heart seeking to learn and grow. Now the church community turns its eyes towards the future, hopeful and anticipating what the next chapter holds.
Archyde News Editor: Father Rossi,thank you again for your time and expertise.
