Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. According to sources, the funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This location was chosen in accordance with the personal wish of the pontiff, who preferred not to be buried in the traditional Vatican tombs but instead in this basilica, which held special significance for him, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing Telekom.
Francis had arranged the funeral ceremony in advance, opting out of many traditional elements. Instead of the usual three nested coffins (made of cypress, lead, and oak), only a single wooden coffin will be used. This decision reflects his lifelong commitment to simplicity and humility, which he consistently demonstrated throughout his papacy.
The Pope’s body will lie in state at the chapel of his residence, Santa Marta, after which it will be moved to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It is expected that many faithful and high-ranking officials from around the world will attend the funeral.
Earlier we wrote that Pope Francis dies at age 88 after prolonged illness.