Pope Francis, 88, a humble reformer who sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and clashed with world leaders over the rights of immigrants, died Easter Monday following a lengthy bout of double pneumonia, the Vatican said.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who oversees the pope's affairs, announced his death from Casa Santa Marta, where Francis lived at the Vatican. A funeral date has not been announced, but the Vatican said it would likely take place between Friday and Sunday.
Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released Monday. The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early that day. The Vatican also said Francis had relayed in a final statement his wishes to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
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"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Farrell said in a statement on Vatican News. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father."
The pope's death comes one day after a frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile − and just weeks after an extended hospital stay during which he battled bilateral pneumonia and other health issues.
The pope, who shunned pomp and privilege and loved to be among the public, sat in a raised chair in the vehicle as people cheered “viva il papa.” He stopped at several places along the square, much to the delight of the crowd.
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," Farrell said. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of 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 the One and Triune God."
Developments:
∎ President Donald Trump announced on social media that he and first lady Melania Trump will attend Francis' funeral, saying, "We look forward to being there!''
∎ The Vatican said the "rite of ascertainment of death" and placement of Pope Francis’ body in the coffin would take place Monday around 8 p.m. local time.
∎ The pope's body is tentatively planned to be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning "so that the faithful may pray before his mortal remains," Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said.
∎ Ten Americans, mostly from the Midwest, are among the 135 cardinals who will vote for a successor to Francis.
∎ In his final address on Easter Sunday, Francis called for a cease-fire in Gaza and offered a message of hope. Read his remarks here.
Church doctrine calls for the pope to be buried four to six days after his death, unless there are extenuating circums...
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