21.04.2025 23:11
The Vatican announced that the cause of death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was a stroke, entering a coma, and irreversible heart failure. It was also revealed that the Pope wished to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, and that his grave should be simple, with only the name "Franciscus" inscribed on it.
The Vatican announced that the cause of death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of deceased Catholics and the Head of State of the Vatican, was a stroke, entering a coma, and irreversible heart failure.
THE CAUSE OF THE POPE'S DEATH IS STROKE AND HEART FAILURE The Vatican announced this morning the cause of death and the will of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. According to the death report published under the signature of Prof. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Unit of the Vatican City State, the Pope died in his apartment at the Santa Marta Residence in the Vatican at 07:35 local time this morning. It was reported that the cause of Pope Francis's death was a stroke, entering a coma, and irreversible heart failure. Additionally, it was noted that the Pope had previously suffered from acute respiratory failure, polymicrobial bilateral pneumonia, hypertension, and diabetes, which accompanied the current situation.
HE WANTED TO BE BURIED IN THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR In another statement from the Vatican, the will of Pope Francis was shared. In his will, it was stated that he wished to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), where he prayed privately before and after every foreign trip to Rome.
ONLY "FRANCISCUS" WILL BE WRITTEN ON THE TOMBSTONE Pope Francis stated that he wanted his grave to be simple, without any special decoration, and to have only "Franciscus" written on it. Meanwhile, a prayer event was held in memory of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in the evening. Those gathered in the square were seen applauding Pope Francis. On the other hand, the Italian Ministry of Culture announced that it turned off the lights of the Colosseum, the iconic structure of Rome, to commemorate Pope Francis.
WHEN WILL THE FUNERAL BE? According to church rules, Pope Francis's funeral must take place between the 4th and 6th day after his death. In this case, the funeral for Pope Francis is expected to be held on either April 25, Friday, or April 27, Sunday. Again, according to church norms, it is anticipated that the College of Cardinals will hold its first session to elect a new Pope between the 15th and 20th day after Pope Francis's death, which would be between May 6-10.
It was noted in the Italian press that if all the electing cardinals arrive in Rome early, the start of the Papal Election (Conclave) could also be advanced.
POPE FRANCIS'S ILLNESS Pope Francis, who was hospitalized on February 14 due to severe bronchitis and treated for bilateral pneumonia for 38 days, was discharged on March 23. It was stated that the Pope needed to remain in recovery for 2 months after being discharged. Prof. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope's doctors, stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera on March 25 that the Pope had come back from death twice during his hospitalization. Cardinal Joseph Farrell announced this morning that Pope Francis passed away at 07:35 local time.
WHO IS POPE FRANCIS? Pope Francis, elected as the 266th leader of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, was the first pope chosen from Latin America and the first person from the Jesuit order. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms in the Catholic Church, adopting a more inclusive and compassionate approach. He was known for his sensitivity towards immigrants, the poor, and marginalized groups; he exhibited outspoken leadership on issues such as climate change, social justice, and economic inequality.
Pope Francis drew attention with his restrictions on traditional Latin rites, allowing divorced individuals to participate in the mass, and his statement regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, "Who am I to judge?" This reformist approach has led to discussions in some conservative Catholic circles. Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts to transform the Catholic Church into a more open, transparent, and socially justice-oriented structure. Throughout his tenure, he promoted reforms both within and outside the church and presented a vision of a more inclusive church.