THE VATICAN: Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Holy See’s press service said. "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorro...
THE VATICAN: Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Holy See’s press service said.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (5:35 am GMT - TASS), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," Cardinal Farrell announced.
Just a day before, Francis had blessed the faithful on the occasion of Easter. He appeared before them on the balcony of St. Peter's Cathedral. The pontiff managed to say only a few words. A TASS correspondent was among the many journalists who caught Francis' last appearance. He looked extremely weak, but nevertheless wanted to attend the Easter celebrations.
The last politician to see him was US Vice President JD Vance, whom the Pope received privately.
On March 23, Francis was discharged from the hospital, where he had spent nearly 40 days. He had been treated for a complicated form of pneumonia and, as his doctors later reported, risked dying twice. The pontiff was ordered to two months of complete rest, but he began briefly leaving his residence in the former Vatican hotel of St. Martha's to visit St. Peter's Basilica. On Sunday, the head of the Roman Catholic Church drove the papal car through a square full of worshippers.
Francis himself has already described the funeral ritual, simplifying the procedures. He wished to be buried in the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which he always visited for prayers, especially before and after foreign visits.
-News Feed
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