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Pope Francis Passes Away, Leaving Behind His Final Will
Vatican officials have disclosed the will of Pope Francis shortly after his passing, detailing his burial wishes. The pontiff died following a cerebral stroke that subsequently led to heart failure.
The document, drafted in June 2022, begins with a poignant acknowledgment of the end of his earthly journey, stating, “Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in the Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my Burial.”
In a departure from tradition upheld by prior popes over the centuries, Pope Francis specified his desire to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He expressed, “I have always entrusted my life and the priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest waiting for the day of the resurrection in this ancient sanctuary.”
Faith Leaders Reflect on the Legacy of Pope Francis
During his papacy, Pope Francis made significant impacts that will be remembered long after his death. He described his final journey as one that should end in the historical sanctuary of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Francis’s will emphasized simplicity, requesting to be buried in the earth with minimal decoration, stating his tomb should bear only the name “Franciscus.” He outlined specific instructions to prepare his resting place in a designated area between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel within the basilica.
Furthermore, he made arrangements for his burial costs to be covered by funds he had previously allocated through a benefactor.
Pope Francis’s Health Complications and Final Days
Pope Francis, who was hospitalized for treatment of bilateral pneumonia, passed away at the age of 88. Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the lead physician at the Vatican’s health department, confirmed that the stroke led to a coma, resulting in irreversible heart failure.
“I certify that His Holiness Francesco (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on December 17, 1936, Resident in Vatican City, Vatican Citizen, died at 7:35 am on April 21, 2025, in his apartment at the Domus Santa Marta (Vatican City) of: Brain stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiocollapse,” stated the official report following his death.
In addition to pneumonia, he had been grappling with various health issues, including episodes of respiratory insufficiency, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. His health had been precarious for many years, particularly since he underwent lung surgery at a young age.
Pope Francis was elected as the first Jesuit pope on March 13, 2013, and he was renowned for his unyielding commitment to social justice and interfaith dialogue. His last public appearance took place on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, where he addressed the faithful.
The reflections on his impactful leadership and the void left by his passage will undoubtedly shape discussions within the Catholic community and beyond for years to come.
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