By Pope Francis has died, ending a papacy marked by compassion and controversy, particularly regarding his often-contradictory stance on LGBTQ+ rights within the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the Pope’s passing in a statement from the Vatican on Monday, 21 April. “With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” he said. “At 7:35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome returned to the house of the Father.”
He praised the Pope’s lifelong devotion to the Church, saying Francis exemplified Gospel values with courage and love for the poor and marginalized.
Francis was elected Pope in 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI. His health had been under close watch in recent years, and he was hospitalized in February with bronchitis.
Pope Francis had recently approved simplified plans for his funeral, opting out of traditional Vatican practices. He will be buried in a plain wooden coffin lined with zinc, forgoing the customary triple-casket arrangement. His body will not lie in state on a raised platform in St. Peter’s Basilica, but mourners will still be allowed to view it with the coffin open.
In another break from tradition, Francis will be the first Pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. His final resting place will be the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.
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