In brief
In a sad moment for Catholics and many around the world, Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Below we highlight the key details surrounding his death and what will follow.
The Vatican has yet to officially disclose the cause of Pope Francis' passing, but he had recently been recovering from severe respiratory issues that led to a critical hospital stay. Just one day before his death, he met with Vice President JD Vance and participated in Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square, despite showing signs of weakness in his voice.Pope Francis was hospitalized for acute respiratory insufficiency caused by viral and bacterial infections. Throughout winter, he had faced multiple bouts of bronchitis, which undoubtedly contributed to his declining health.As the world mourns his passing, the Catholic Church is preparing for customary procedures following the death of a pope. The date of Francis' funeral will be announced, along with details on how the church will honor his contributions. Soon, discussions on his potential successors and the future leadership of the Church will commence, shaping a new chapter for one of the world's most significant religious institutions.
