Cause of Death of Pope Francis Determined

Pope Francis died from the effects of a stroke. The stroke led to a coma and an "irreversible" heart failure, according to the death certificate of the Pope released by the Vatican on Monday evening.

Pope Francis Dies from Stroke

The death of the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church was officially confirmed by the head of the Vatican's health authority, Andrea Arcangeli. Pope Francis died early Monday morning at the age of 88.

He was hospitalized in February due to pneumonia but was discharged on March 23. On Sunday, he still participated in the Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square. According to the Vatican, Francis died at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at the St. Martha guesthouse. The Pope's death prompted worldwide condolences.

No Burial in St. Peter's Basilica Desired

According to his will, Pope Francis wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome and not, like many of his predecessors, in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. In the document, the Pope specified: "The grave must be in the ground, simple, without special adornment, and with the sole inscription: Franciscus."

The Vatican published the will according to Kathpress about twelve hours after the Pontiff's death. The Pope had already drafted it on June 29, 2022. Shortly before, he had to postpone a planned trip to Africa in early July 2022 for health reasons.

Furthermore, the Holy Father wrote: "May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who wished me well and will continue to pray for me. I have offered the suffering in the last stage of my life to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples." The testament is signed with: "Santa Marta, June 29, 2022, FRANCESCO."

Thousands of Faithful Prayed in St. Peter's Square in Rome

Meanwhile, according to Kathpress, thousands prayed in St. Peter's Square in Rome for the deceased Holy Father. The "Head of St. Peter's Basilica," Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, led the rosary prayer and commemorated the deceased Pontiff at the beginning, reported Kathpress.

According to insiders, the mourning ceremony could be celebrated in St. Peter's Square next Saturday, as reported from Vatican circles. The date is to be officially announced by the College of Cardinals, which meets on Tuesday. Gambetti recalled the phrase often used by Francis, "Do not forget to pray for me," and called for joint prayer for the deceased Pope.

Papal Apartment Sealed

On Monday evening, the Pope's apartment was also to be sealed. Not only the one on the second floor of the Santa Marta guesthouse, where Francis lived, but also the one on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, although the Pontiff practically never used it.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.