Pope Francis Dies at 88

Sheamus Finnegan 

Stillman Staff Writer 

At on Easter Monday at 9:45 a.m. CEST, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, which had occurred at 7:35 a.m. on the same day. The cause of death was determined to be a stroke followed by cardiac arrest.  

Following his 5-week hospital stay that lasted until March 23, the Pope remained in relatively stable condition. While the Pope did not celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s, after providing the Ubi et Orbi blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s, Francis surprised the 50,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s square by riding through on his popemobile and greeted the crowd. This joyful excursion was his first ride through Saint Peter’s Square after his hospitalization as well as the last public interaction with the faithful in his life.  

It is reported that Massimiliano Strappetti, the Pope’s personal healthcare assistant, encouraged the Holy Father to make this final outing. Around 5:30 a.m. of the following day, signs of sudden illness appeared. After about an hour, Francis made a waving gesture to Strappetti and thanked him for encouraging the ride through the Square, saying “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” After this final gesture, the 88-year-old Pope entered a coma. He died roughly an hour later, marking the end of his 12-year pontificate. 

In the days following Francis’ death, messages of condolence came pouring in from countless world leaders, with many praising the legacy of the Holy Father. Religious leaders from non-Catholic Christian denominations such as the Easter Orthodox and Coptic Churches, as well as leaders from non-Christian religions joined in mourning the death of the Pope while praising his example of humility and sustained efforts surrounding ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.  

After Pope Francis’ funeral, which was held on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father’s body was laid to rest in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. While Popes are usually buried within the Vatican, Pope Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major due to his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. At his request, he was laid to rest in a simple tomb in the ground bearing only the inscription “Franciscus.”  

Following the Holy Father’s death, the Church entered into the novendiales – the nine days of mourning after the Pope’s death. During this time the faithful offer up prayers for the repose of the soul of the Pope.  

The papal conclave – the gathering of Cardinals to elect the next Supreme Pontiff – is set to begin on May 7.  On that day, countless eyes will be fixed on the chimney above the Sistine Chapel awaiting the sight of white smoke – the signal that a new Pope has been elected.  

Contact Sheamus at sheamus.finnegan@student.shu.edu