Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Announces Death, Funeral Plans

Vatican Announcement of Pope Francis's Death

• 🕊️ The Vatican announced earlier this morning that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
• shock The news came as a shock, as it followed a surprise appearance by the Pope during Easter celebrations just yesterday.
• 🏥 While Pope Francis had been unwell and was seen with oxygen tubes in the past, he recently appeared without them and toured St. Peter's Square in the Popemobile, his first such tour since leaving the hospital over a month ago.

Ceremonies and Funeral Arrangements

• 🔔 Following the announcement, pilgrims were invited to St. Peter's Square to recite a rosary in memory of Pope Francis, accompanied by the ringing of bells.
• 🕯️ Later today at 8:00 p.m. Rome time (2:00 p.m. ET), Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the rite of certification of death and the deposition of his body into a coffin.
• 🪦 The coffin will be exposed in St. Peter's Basilica starting tomorrow to allow pilgrims to pay their last respects, with very long lines expected.
• 🗓️ A funeral will be held in St. Peter's Square in four to six days.

Next Steps: Papal Conclave

• 👑 Within 15 to 20 days of the funeral, a conclave will be held where cardinals will convene to elect the next Pope.