By Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican announced Monday.
His death has triggered a global wave of mourning, with tributes pouring in from South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines. Faithful across five continents are remembering the pontiff for his humility, compassion, and tireless advocacy for peace and the marginalized.
In a heartfelt final testament, the late Pope expressed his desire to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome—a place he considered sacred throughout his priesthood.
“As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life… I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial,” he wrote.
Pope Francis requested that his tomb be simple and without decoration, placed between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, marked only with the inscription: Franciscus.
The Vatican also noted that all burial costs had been arranged by a benefactor, per the Pope’s instruction to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, who oversees the basilica.
The pontiff concluded his testament with a blessing: “May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord—for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.
