Pope Francis has recently passed away at the age of 88, right after celebrating Easter on Apr. 21, 2025, Monday morning at 7:30 AM in Saint Martha House, Vatican City. The Vatican has stated the primary cause of his death was due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure. Prior to his death, the Pope had already been experiencing problems concerning his health and receiving hospital treatment over the past months. The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled on the upcoming Saturday of Apr. 26, 2025. The traditional burial practice for popes would involve three coffins, however he chose to be displayed in a simple wooden coffin before death. So far, his body has been embalmed for preservation and transferred by the Vatican to St. Peter’s Basilica for worshipers to pay respects ahead of his funeral.
“I think the Pope’s death was sudden and unexpected, and also tragic, no matter what anyone thinks about religion,” junior Noah Habtamu said. “Pope Francis had a great legacy and I hope it can continue on for the next Pope.”
As the whole world mourns the death of Pope Francis, many commemorate and honor his life’s dedication to serving the Catholic Church. For what comes next for the selection of a new Pope, there will be an election 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis’ death and will include the camerlengo, a cardinal in the Catholic Church, to be in charge of organizing the election.
