Vatican announces cause of Pope's death and his will

The Vatican has reported that the cause of death for Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, was a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible heart failure.

According to the death report signed by Prof. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Vatican City State Health and Hygiene Department, the Pope passed away this morning at 07:35 local time in his apartment at the Santa Marta Guest House in the Vatican.

It was reported that the cause of Pope Francis's death was a stroke, a coma, and irreversible heart failure.

It was further stated that these conditions were accompanied by his previous health issues, including acute respiratory failure, polymicrobial bilateral pneumonia, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

HE SPECIFIED HIS BURIAL PLACE IN HIS WILL

In another statement released by the Vatican, the contents of Pope Francis's will were shared.

In his will, the Pope stated that he wished to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), where he went to pray privately before and after every trip abroad from Rome.

Pope Francis noted that he wanted his grave to be in the ground, simple, without any special decorations, and with only the name "Franciscus" inscribed on it.

Meanwhile, a prayer event was held in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican this evening in memory of Pope Francis. Those gathered in the square were seen applauding Pope Francis.

On the other hand, the Italian Ministry of Culture announced that it had turned off the lights of the Colosseum, a landmark of Rome, to commemorate Pope Francis.

WHEN WILL THE FUNERAL BE HELD?

According to Church rules, the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis must take place between the 4th and 6th day after his death.

In this case, the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis is expected to take place between Friday, April 25, and Sunday, April 27.

Also according to Church norms, the College of Cardinals is expected to hold its first session to elect the new Pope between the 15th and 20th day after the Pope's death, which would be between May 6 and May 10.

The Italian press stated that if all voting cardinals arrive in Rome early, the start of the Papal Conclave could be brought forward.

HE HAD BEEN SUFFERING FROM RESPIRATORY ISSUES FOR A LONG TIME

Pope Francis, who was taken to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 due to severe bronchitis and treated for 38 days with a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, was discharged on March 23.

It was stated that the Pope needed to remain in a 2-month convalescence period after being discharged.

Prof. Sergio Alfieri, one of Pope Francis's doctors, stated in an interview with the newspaper Corriere della Sera on March 25 that the Pope had narrowly escaped death twice during his time in the hospital.

Cardinal Joseph Farrell announced this morning that Pope Francis had passed away at 07:35 local time.

News Source: AA