The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis died Monday from a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure.
He asked to be buried in the ground at Major St. Mary’s Basilica, home to the favorite Virgin Mary icon of his particular devoted Francis. The date of the funeral has not been announced.
The 88-year-old bishop, who recently spent five weeks in a Rome hospital, fighting a life-threatening match of dual pneumonia, returned to light duties with the Vatican until the end of March.
Pneumonia can be a life-threatening condition for the elderly, babies, and people with heart or lung conditions.
Pope Francis would have been at risk for lung condition as the upper lobe of his right lung had been removed when he was young.
“At 7:35 this morning, Bishop Francis of Rome returned to his father’s house. His life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his church,” Vatican Camerlengo announced early Monday morning.
“He taught us to live the values of the gospel, with faithfulness, courage and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.
The next Pope should still be decided.
Our journalists are working on this story and will update as soon as more information becomes available.
