Pope Francis Dies at 88
Vatican City – Pope Franciscus has died at the age of 88, according to an announcement made by cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo. The announcement came as a surprise to many, following Pope FrancisS appearance at easter celebrations just the day before.
The Announcement
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-American Camerlengo responsible for current affairs after a Pope’s death, made the somber announcement. This morning at 7.35 am the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the father’s house,
Farrell stated. His entire life was devoted to the service to the Lord and his church.
Last Appearance: Urbi et Orbi
Despite struggling with poor health, Pope Francis delivered the Urbi et Orbi address from Sint-Pietersplein (St. Peter’s Square) yesterday. He appeared in a wheelchair, having been absent from the Easter mass earlier in the morning, were cardinals took over his duties.
- Easter Mass: Cardinals filled in for Pope francis.
- Urbi et Orbi: He delivered the blessing from a wheelchair.
Though appearing weak, he greeted the audience and gave the blessing.He did not read the Easter message himself.
Video: pope Francis’s Last Performance
Here is a video of Pope Francis’s last public appearance, offering Easter wishes from his wheelchair:
Note: Replace “YOUR_YOUTUBE_VIDEO_ID” with the actual YouTube video ID.
Did You Know?
The Urbi et Orbi blessing is a papal address delivered on certain solemn occasions.It is one of the highest forms of blessing given by the Pope.
Reactions and shock
Health Struggles
Earlier this year, Pope francis spent several weeks in the hospital due to severe pneumonia, raising concerns about his health. He was discharged from the hospital at the end of last month.
Last week, francis delegated most of the Good Week celebrations, including White Thursday and Good Friday. The Easter Week celebrations, culminating in the Easter mass, are the most meaningful events of the year for the Pope.
A Surprising Choice
born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, Francis was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI, who had resigned weeks prior.
His election was unexpected, given his age of 76. He was also the first non-European pope since the eighth century.
Pro Tip
The selection of a new Pope is a complex process involving the College of Cardinals.The process is known as a conclave, and it takes place in the sistine Chapel.
Funeral Rituals
Cardinal Farrell noted that Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rituals last year, which will guide the funeral mass. The date of the funeral mass is yet to be announced.
The updated edition includes new elements regarding the handling of the Pope’s remains and simplifies the funeral rituals, as requested by Pope Francis.
The renewed ritus aims to emphasize that the funeral of the Pope of Rome who is of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.
Archbishop Ravelli, Master of the Apostolic Ceremonies
Selecting a New Pope
following the Pope’s death, Cardinal farrell and cardinals in Rome will convene to determine the mourning period and funeral date. Regular meetings will follow to decide on the funeral mass and the period leading up to the conclave, where a new pope will be chosen.
- Mourning Period: Officially lasts nine days.
- Lying in State: Pope Francis will likely lie in state for three days at the main altar of Sint-Pieter (St. Peter’s Basilica).
- Conclave Preparation: The Sistine Chapel will be prepared for the conclave, which will likely begin about two weeks after Francis’s death.
The Sistine Chapel will be equipped with long tables and two stoves: one for burning ballots and another for adding dye to signal the election of a new pope with white smoke.
