CITIZENS COMPASS– The first Pope outside the European countries, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced the death on Easter Monday.
The death of the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere follows a long period of ill-health and will come as a surprise to many given the fact that he came out to greet well-wishers on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
He was also the first pope from outside Europe in over 1,300 years.
He is to be buried outside the Vatican in the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of four major papal basilicas as first details of the funeral of the first pope from Latin America emerged.
This makes him the first pontiff to be buried outside the Vatican in more than 100 years.
Though papal funerals are traditionally elaborate affairs, Pope Francis recently approved plans to make the whole procedure more simple.
Pope Francis has opted for a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc in a simple funeral that will reflect his taste while he lived.
He has also scrapped the tradition of placing the Pope’s body on a raised platform – known as a catafalque – in St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
Instead, mourners during Pope Francis’ funeral will be invited to pay their respects while his body remains inside the coffin, with the lid removed.
How Pope Franics’ Death Was Announced.
His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell had on Monday morning announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
Farrell added: “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The comprehensive details of Pope Francis’ funeral are, however, being awaited.
