Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, will not follow the traditional burial customs of the Vatican.
Known to the world as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, his birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio. In recent months, his health had severely declined.
In February, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory infection and chronic bronchitis, conditions that later progressed to pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure.
This month, he also faced an ‘isolated attack of bronchospasm, leading to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.’
The Vatican announced on Monday, April 21, that Francis had passed away at 7:35 am local time.
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell expressed: “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 home 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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.”
During an interview with Mexican broadcaster N+ in 2023, Pope Francis disclosed his decision to break from tradition by choosing to be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Papal tradition typically has Popes interred in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. However, Francis preferred to be buried in a location significant for his personal prayers before and after overseas travels.
“The place is already prepared. I wish to be buried in St. Mary Major,” Pope Francis stated in 2023, expressing his strong devotion to the Byzantine Icon of Our Lady, Protectress of the Roman People.
Francis was the first Pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Pope Gregory III, over 1,200 years ago.
Originating from Argentina, he earned admiration for his progressive views and humility, often addressing global issues such as the war in Ukraine and the refugee crisis.
Throughout his papacy, Francis also raised awareness on the climate crisis, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
In the United Kingdom, King Charles expressed his and the Queen’s deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing and noted their gratitude for having recently visited him.
Charles and Camilla had met the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, which coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary.
The King remarked: “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.”