Pope Francis Dies at 88; Conclave and Burial Plans Unfold
The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis has died at 88. Battling an illness that evolved into double pneumonia, the Pontiff spent his final weeks hospitalized.
It’ll take at least 15 days before the Conclave kicks off. That’s when cardinals gather in the Vatican’s iconic Sistine Chapel to choose his successor.
Francis’ burial will break with tradition. After lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica during the official mourning period, he’ll be laid to rest at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood—unlike most of his predecessors.
Remarkably, just yesterday on Easter Sunday, Francis greeted Catholic worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. Following the holiday service, he delivered his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from a balcony overlooking the piazza.
