Pope Francis died this morning on the age of 88, passing away at 7:35 at his residence within the Casa Santa Marta inside Vatican Metropolis
Demise introduced at Vatican residence
In accordance with Vatican Information, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, formally introduced the Pope’s demise at 9:45 AM. He mentioned:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I need to announce the demise of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His complete life was devoted to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to reside the values of the Gospel with constancy, braveness, and common love, particularly in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his instance as a real disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Ongoing well being struggles
The Pope had been fighting respiratory sickness for a while. Docs admitted him to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on 14 February after he skilled persistent bronchitis.
By 18 February, his situation had worsened, and docs identified him with bilateral pneumonia.
After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta in March to proceed his restoration. Nevertheless, his well being continued to say no.
A life marked by sickness and resilience
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had an extended historical past of respiratory points.
In 1957, in his early twenties, he underwent surgical procedure to take away a part of a lung on account of a severe an infection.
In later years, he suffered frequent respiratory issues, together with a cancelled journey to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 on account of influenza and lung irritation.
New funeral rites to replicate humility
In April 2024, Pope Francis authorised a revised version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical ebook that outlines the funeral rites for a pope.
The up to date model will information the funeral Mass, although they haven’t but introduced the date.
The brand new version introduces a number of modifications, together with the dealing with of the Pope’s physique after demise.
As a substitute of staying within the room the place demise occurred, they now take the physique to the chapel, the place they formally affirm demise and instantly place the physique within the coffin.
A simplified farewell
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Grasp of Apostolic Ceremonies, famous that Pope Francis had requested less complicated funeral rites.
The revised ritual, he mentioned, displays the late Pope’s want to deal with the Church’s religion within the resurrection, slightly than on worldly energy.
Archbishop Ravelli mentioned, “The renewed ceremony seeks to emphasize much more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and never of a strong particular person of this world.”
How do you suppose Pope Francis’ want for a less complicated funeral will have an effect on future papal ceremonies?
Tell us by leaving a remark under, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and observe us on WhatsApp, Fb, X and Bluesky for the newest information.
