Vatican Prepares for Funeral of Pope Francis,Successor Election
Table of Contents
- Vatican Prepares for Funeral of Pope Francis,Successor Election
- Pope francis Funeral Set for Saturday; World Leaders to Attend
- World Leaders Expected to Attend
- Security Tightened Around St. Peter’s basilica
- Public Viewing Begins Wednesday
- Pope’s Last Words Revealed
- Italy Declares Five Days of State Mourning
- Tourist Influx in Vatican City
- Details of Pope’s Will Released
- Cause of Death: Stroke and Cardiovascular Failure
- Conclave to Elect New Pope
- Funeral Rite Simplified
- German Cardinals to Participate in Conclave
- Pope Francis Dies at 88
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican is making preparations for the funeral of Pope Francis,scheduled for Saturday,adn the subsequent conclave to elect his successor. Cardinals from around the world are converging on Rome as the Catholic Church mourns the pontiff’s passing.
Pope Francis’s Final Moments
Dr.Sergio Alfieri, coordinator of the Pope’s medical team, shared details of the Pope’s final moments in an interview with TG1. “The Holy Father didn’t suffer,” Alfieri stated. “When I arrived at Santa Marta,he was still alive. His eyes were open, he received oxygen and an infusion, but he was not conscious. I auscultated both lung fields,there was no respiratory distress: he was alive,but in a coma.”
Funeral Arrangements
More than 200,000 mourners are expected to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in St. Peter’s square, according to Ansa. The event is also anticipated to draw over 100 state guests, possibly including figures such as Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Olaf Scholz.
Conclave Preparations
Cardinals are arriving at the Vatican for a series of meetings ahead of the conclave, where they will discuss and deliberate before the secret election of the next Pope.
Potential Successors
Speculation is rife regarding who will be the next Pope. Cardinal pietro Parolin, 70, of Italy, is considered by manny to be a frontrunner.Betting agencies, such as “Paddy power,” also list him as a leading candidate, according to reports in newsweek and other media outlets. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, of the Philippines, is also a strong contender, particularly among British bookmakers.
cardinals Withdraw from Conclave
Two cardinals eligible to vote in the upcoming papal election have withdrawn from the conclave. Emeritus archbishop Antonio Cañizares, 79, of Valencia, cited health reasons for his withdrawal, according to Spanish media, including the broadcaster Cope. Similarly, Emeritus Archbishop Vinko Puljic, 79, of Sarajevo, also cited health reasons, reported Croatian TV channel RTL.
These withdrawals reduce the number of voting members in the conclave to 133, lowering the two-thirds majority required for election from 90 to 89 votes.
Events Leading to the Pope’s death
Sources indicate that Pope Francis was considered for transfer to the Gemelli Hospital on Easter Monday,according to Ansa. An ambulance service was requested and arrived before 7:30 a.m.,but the transfer was ultimately canceled. The Pope’s death was pronounced at 7:35 a.m.
National Mourning
Italy has declared five national days of mourning for Pope Francis, according to the Italian news channel rainews.it. This is the longest period of national mourning declared for a Pope in Italy’s history.One day of mourning was declared after the death of Paul VI and three days after the death of John paul II. No state mourning was declared for the death of Pope Benedict XVI.
Despite appearing frail during his last public appearance, Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday was unexpected. Reports suggest he was in relatively good health earlier that morning.
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Pope francis Funeral Set for Saturday; World Leaders to Attend
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The funeral for Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, according to Vatican officials. The pontiff will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, per his request.
World Leaders Expected to Attend
Numerous heads of state and government representatives have confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are among the royals expected. Other confirmed attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President volodymyr Zelenskyy. Germany will be represented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Security Tightened Around St. Peter’s basilica
In preparation for the influx of mourners and dignitaries, security measures around St. Peter’s Basilica have been considerably increased. According to the Corriere della Sera, streets have been blocked off, vehicles towed, and police helicopters are monitoring the area. These heightened security protocols will remain in place until a new pope is elected.
Public Viewing Begins Wednesday
Prior to Saturday’s funeral,the pope’s coffin will be moved to St.peter’s basilica on wednesday morning. The public will then be allowed to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
Pope’s Last Words Revealed
According to Vatican media reports, Pope Francis’s last words were spoken to his personal assistant and nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti. The pope, after riding the Popemobile at the end of the Easter blessing “Urbi et Orbi,” reportedly said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the pitch.” He had previously asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can do it?”
Italy Declares Five Days of State Mourning
The Ansa news agency reports that Italy has declared five days of state mourning to honor Pope francis. This is a departure from the customary nine-day mourning period, known as “Novemiales,” typically observed in the Catholic Church after the death of a Pope.
Tourist Influx in Vatican City
Preparations for the funeral have drawn thousands of believers to the Vatican, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Student groups and pilgrims from Italy and abroad have gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Details of Pope’s Will Released
Following Pope Francis’s death, the vatican released his will, wich contains specific instructions for his funeral.The will emphasizes simplicity and a desire for a grave “without special decorations,” bearing only his name, ”Franciscus.”
Cause of Death: Stroke and Cardiovascular Failure
The Vatican has released Pope Francis’s death certificate, citing the cause of death as a stroke followed by cardiovascular failure. The document, signed by the head of the Vatican Health Authority, Andrea Arcangeli, also notes that the Pope suffered from type 2 diabetes.
Conclave to Elect New Pope
The conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor is expected to begin between May 5 and 10, according to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the secret election.
Funeral Rite Simplified
The Vatican has emphasized that the funeral rites for Pope Francis will be simpler than those of his predecessors, reflecting his desire to be remembered as a shepherd and disciple of Christ. The renewed rite comprises three stations: the house of the deceased, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the burial location. the most significant change involves placing the Pope’s body in the coffin at the first stop after death, rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica.
German Cardinals to Participate in Conclave
Three German cardinals will participate in the conclave to elect the next Pope. Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, and another cardinal whose name was not provided in the source material, will be among those voting.
Pope Francis Dies at 88
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The announcement came Monday from cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
Vatican Confirms Pope’s Death
the Vatican press office officially confirmed the death. In a statement released Monday morning, Cardinal Farrell somberly announced, “This morning at 9:47 a.m., his Eminence Cardinal kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced with grief the death of Pope Francis.”
Easter Blessing Preceded Death
The announcement follows Pope Francis’s appearance at Easter Mass in Vatican City on Sunday, where he delivered the traditional Easter blessing.
“Dear brothers and sisters,” Farrell stated, “with deep grief I have to announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.” He added that Francis dedicated his life to service of the Lord and his church.
recent Illness
In February, Pope Francis was hospitalized with severe bilateral pneumonia. Doctors at the time indicated he narrowly escaped death. His recent health struggles raised questions about his ability to participate in the Easter celebrations, and he did not attend the traditional Good Friday procession.
Easter Message Focused on Peace
During his Easter message, Pope Francis addressed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, calling for respect for freedom of religion and expression.He also urged an end to armed conflicts and cautioned against rising anti-Semitism.
A Pontificate Marked by Reform and Controversy
Francis served as Pope since 2013. He was frequently enough called the “Pope of the Poor” for his focus on social justice issues. However, his tenure was not without controversy.He faced criticism regarding his handling of abuse cases within the Church.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Here’s a Q&A based on teh provided articles, designed for SEO adn readability:
Pope Francis’s Death: Funeral, Successor, and Legacy
This is a compilation of questions and answers covering the death of Pope Francis, the preparations for his funeral, the election of his successor, and related details.
Pope Francis – General Questions
Is Pope Francis dead?
Yes, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, in Vatican City, at the age of 88.This was officially announced by the Vatican on Monday morning.
When did Pope Francis die?
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m., per reports.
What was the cause of Pope Francis’s death?
The Vatican attributed the cause of death to a stroke followed by cardiovascular failure. He also suffered from type 2 diabetes.
How was Pope Francis’s death announced?
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death with deep grief.
Funeral and Burial
When is Pope Francis’s funeral?
The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in front of St. peter’s Basilica.
Where will the funeral be held?
The funeral service will take place in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
where will Pope Francis be buried?
Per his request, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Who is expected to attend Pope Francis’s funeral?
More than 200,000 mourners are expected to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square. Numerous world leaders and dignitaries have confirmed their attendance, including:
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
U.S. President donald Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
What are the funeral arrangements?
The funeral arrangements include a public viewing starting Wednesday after his coffin is moved to St. peter’s Basilica. Italy has declared five days of state mourning. The Vatican emphasized the funeral rites will be simpler than those of his predecessors.
What were Pope Francis’s last words?
After the Easter blessing “Urbi et Orbi,” Pope Francis reportedly said to his personal assistant and nurse, “Thank you for bringing me back to the pitch.” He had also asked, “Do you think I can do it?”
Conclave and Papal succession
What is a conclave?
A conclave is a gathering of cardinals to elect a new pope.
When is the conclave to elect the next Pope expected to begin?
The conclave is expected to begin between May 5 and 10.
where will the conclave be held?
The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel.
Who are the potential successors to Pope Francis?
There is much speculation about who will be the next Pope.Considered frontrunners include:
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
How many cardinals will vote in the conclave?
the withdrawals of two cardinals reduced the number of voting members in the conclave to 133, thus lowering the required majority to 89 votes.
Which German cardinals will participate in the conclave?
Three German cardinals will participate in the conclave; Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, and another whose name was not provided in the source material.
Timeline of Events
Here’s a timeline of key events:
| Event | Date | Details |
| ——————————— | ———————- | ————————————————————————————– |
| Pope’s Death | Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 | Announced at 9:47 a.m. by Cardinal Farrell. |
| Funeral | Saturday | To be held at 10 a.m. in front of St.peter’s Basilica. |
| Public Viewing Begins | Wednesday | Pope’s coffin will be moved to St. peter’s Basilica for public viewing. |
| Conclave Expected to Begin | Between May 5 and 10 | Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Pope. |
Other Key facts
What was the Pope’s health like before his death?
Despite an appearance of frailty, Pope Francis’s death was unexpected, and reports suggested he was in relatively good health earlier on Easter Monday. He was hospitalized in February with severe bilateral pneumonia.
What is the significance of the five days of mourning declared by Italy?
Italy declared five days of state mourning, the longest period of national mourning declared for a Pope in Italy’s history.
What did the Pope’s will reveal?
His will emphasized simplicity, requesting a grave without special decorations, bearing only his name.
