Pope Francis passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, following a massive stroke that led to a coma and cardiac failure. His personal physician, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, confirmed that the pontiff died without suffering, in accordance with his wishes to avoid aggressive medical interventions and to spend his final moments at home in the Vatican. People.com+1The Washington Post+1Linda Ikeji’s Blog+2The Washington Post+2Reuters+2
Despite recent health challenges, including a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. He delivered an Easter Sunday blessing and visited prisoners on Holy Thursday, demonstrating his commitment to his pastoral responsibilities. Reuters+2People.com+2Linda Ikeji’s Blog+2Reuters+2The Washington Post+2People.com+2
In his final days, the Pope expressed a singular regret: his physical frailty prevented him from performing the traditional foot-washing ceremony for prisoners during Holy Week. This ritual, symbolizing humility and service, was particularly significant to him. The Washington Post+2Reuters+2The Guardian+2
Pope Francis’s body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands have paid their respects. Honoring his wishes for simplicity, his coffin is made of plain wood and rests on the basilica’s main altar without the customary raised platform. The Guardian
He will be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a departure from the tradition of papal burials beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a modest final resting place. The Guardian+1Vatican News+1
The funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, with attendance expected from numerous heads of state and monarchs. Following the funeral, the College of Cardinals will observe a nine-day mourning period before convening to elect his successor. Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle and Pietro Parolin are among the potential candidates being considered. The Guardian+1Reuters+1
Pope Francis’s final regret underscores his lifelong dedication to humility and service, hallmarks of his papacy that endeared him to many around the world.
Pope Francis passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, following a massive stroke that led to a coma and cardiac failure. His personal physician, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, confirmed that the pontiff died without suffering, in accordance with his wishes to avoid aggressive medical interventions and to spend his final moments at home in the Vatican. People.com+1The Washington Post+1Linda Ikeji’s Blog+2The Washington Post+2Reuters+2
Despite recent health challenges, including a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. He delivered an Easter Sunday blessing and visited prisoners on Holy Thursday, demonstrating his commitment to his pastoral responsibilities. Reuters+2People.com+2Linda Ikeji’s Blog+2Reuters+2The Washington Post+2People.com+2
In his final days, the Pope expressed a singular regret: his physical frailty prevented him from performing the traditional foot-washing ceremony for prisoners during Holy Week. This ritual, symbolizing humility and service, was particularly significant to him. The Washington Post+2Reuters+2The Guardian+2
Pope Francis’s body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands have paid their respects. Honoring his wishes for simplicity, his coffin is made of plain wood and rests on the basilica’s main altar without the customary raised platform. The Guardian
He will be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a departure from the tradition of papal burials beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a modest final resting place. The Guardian+1Vatican News+1
The funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, with attendance expected from numerous heads of state and monarchs. Following the funeral, the College of Cardinals will observe a nine-day mourning period before convening to elect his successor. Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle and Pietro Parolin are among the potential candidates being considered. The Guardian+1Reuters+1
Pope Francis’s final regret underscores his lifelong dedication to humility and service, hallmarks of his papacy that endeared him to many around the world.
