Pope Francis Funeral Announcement
By LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated Press
New York (AP) — Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday at age 88, prompting widespread mourning within the Catholic community. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, after which he will be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, fulfilling his wish to rest near a beloved icon of the Virgin Mary.
In a solemn ceremony, the camerlengo sealed Francis’ coffin, which contains a bag of coins minted during his papacy and a written account of his tenure. Despite tradition dictating burial in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis opted for St. Mary Major to honor his devotion to the Madonna.
Heads of state—including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron—are expected to attend the funeral, reflecting Francis’ global influence. He served a transformative 12-year papacy, emphasizing humility, social justice, and environmental stewardship, while often clashing with conservative factions.
As the Church enters a nine-day mourning period, preparations begin for the next conclave to elect his successor. Francis’ legacy includes advocating for marginalized communities and tackling climate change, establishing a significant but complex approach towards contemporary issues.
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