Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, has passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, leading to widespread mourning and tributes from various corners of the world. A simpler funeral is to be held on Saturday, reflecting his approach to life that favored modesty over tradition.
Upon his death on Monday, cardinals worldwide gathered for the important task of selecting a new pope, a process steeped in rituals and typically shrouded in secrecy. They immediately convened at the Vatican to make arrangements for the upcoming ceremony and process of interring the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Francis embraced simplicity in his final wishes, requesting to be buried in an undecorated tomb at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, with only his name inscribed. The Vatican confirmed that there would be a viewing of his remains prior to his funeral, which is anticipated to draw political and religious leaders from around the globe.
During his papacy, Francis advocated for the marginalized, attended to issues like climate change, and made strides towards inclusivity within the Church. His unique approach and progressive stance earned him both admiration and criticism, marking a transformative era in the Catholic Church that is now under scrutiny as cardinals consider who might follow in his footsteps.
The funeral service on Saturday will allow mourners to pay their respects, with tributes already pouring in from various nations, including state mourning declarations, lowered flags, and memorial services being held across continents. As discussions arise around the direction the Church will take under new leadership, Francis' inclusive vision and focus on humanitarian issues cast a long shadow over the future.
Widely respected for his efforts to engage the Church in modern social issues, Francis leaves behind a complex legacy that both reflects, and will likely influence, the next chapter of a faith held by 1.3 billion individuals worldwide.
