Pope Francis Passes Away After Easter Mass: A Nation Mourns the Loss
Pope Francis, who served for twelve years as the leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure, just a day after participating in Easter mass.
The pope's body will lie in an open casket at a private chapel within the Vatican residence before being taken to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday. A solemn procession featuring cardinals is expected to accompany the casket into the basilica, where a ceremony will be conducted. Subsequently, the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects inside the church until Friday evening.
On Saturday, the funeral ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, where thousands of mourners are anticipated to gather in remembrance of the pope.
Security personnel have already been stationed at St. Peter's Square in preparation for the arrival of Pope Francis's body.
Notable political leaders from across the globe have expressed their intent to attend the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and French President Emmanuel Macron. In an express desire, Pope Francis wished to be buried in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, located just outside Vatican City, rather than in St. Peter's Basilica, the final resting place of many of his predecessors.
As the Catholic Church prepares for the transition of leadership, the conclave to elect a new pope is scheduled to begin on May 6. According to Reuters, during this procedure, voting cardinals will convene and lock themselves in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes. A new pope will be declared when at least two-thirds of the attending cardinals give their approval, signaled by the release of white smoke from a chimney.
Currently, the Vatican is presided over by officials as they await the election of the new pope. The legacy of Pope Francis as a humble leader and a man of the people will be honored in Rome as he is laid to rest.
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