“Pope Francis” dies at 88

In a historic development that marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis passed away on Easter at the age of 88 in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed his death at 7:35 AM CEST, attributing it to a stroke followed by irreversible cardiac arrest, coming shortly after his recovery from double pneumonia.

Breaking with centuries of tradition, Pope Francis will become the first pontiff since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside Vatican grounds. He chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Christianity's four major basilicas, as his final resting place. The choice reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his frequent visits to pray before the byzantine icon Salus Populi Romani, particularly before and after his international travels.

The basilica, which has stood in Rome for 16 centuries, holds special significance in Francis's papacy. It was the first church he visited just hours after becoming the first pope from the Americas in 2013. Throughout his nearly 12-year pontificate, he returned to the site during crucial moments, including praying for the end of the pandemic and after his surgical procedures.

Francis, who simplified traditional papal funeral rites, will still have his funeral ceremony at St. Peter's Square. The Vatican has entered a sede vacante period, with a conclave to elect his successor expected between May 6 and May 12, 2025.

As the 266th pope, Francis's legacy is marked by his commitment to humility, social justice, and reform. His passing has prompted global leaders to commemorate his contributions to promoting peace, compassion, and justice worldwide.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which already houses seven popes and notable religious figures, will now become the eternal home of a pontiff.