In April, Pope Francis seemed to have recovered, coming out often to suprise the faithful. However, on Easter Monday morning, Pope Francis passed away, and a papal funeral was held on April 26th.
In the beginning of April at the Vatican, Pope Francis seemed to have recovered from his illness. It began with his surprise visit at St. Peter's Square, only two weeks after being released from the hospital.
POPE FRANCIS
“Happy Sunday to all. Thank you very much.”
Pope Francis continued these surprises throughout April, showing up unannounced at Saint Peter's Basilica and meeting with officials from around the world, like the King of England and Vice President JD Vance.
His last visit was on Easter Sunday where he gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing to the crowds of Saint Peter's Square.
POPE FRANCIS
Dear brothers and sisters: Happy Easter! I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message.
However, the next morning, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away after a stroke early Monday morning. Casa Santa Marta announced the news.
At 7:35 this morning, 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.
Thus, papal funeral preparations began and the date of the funeral was set for April 26th. Thousands of people traveled to Rome to visit and pray by Pope Francis' tomb, while leaders from around the world came to attend the funeral.
CARD. GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE
Pope Francis has tirelessly raised his voice, pleading for peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions.
The funeral was solemn and simple. Per Pope Francis' explicit instructions, his coffin did not remain in Saint Peter's Basilica. Instead, a funeral procession departed with Pope Francis' mortal remains, passing by many of Rome's major landmarks, and ended at St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis' tomb was prepared.
Nine days of mourning followed the funeral, and preparations for the conclave to elect the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church began. It was decided that Cardinal Parolin would preside over the conclave, which was scheduled to begin on May 7th.
CRT
