At 9:45 a.m. on April 21, the passing of Pope Francis was announced. The head of the Roman Catholic Church was 88 when he passed.
According to the head of the Vatican’s health department, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the death certificate was issued, which showed his death was due to a stroke, following a period of poor health.
Francis was known for his humility and his progressive views as he worked to steer the Catholic Church toward a more inclusive approach, opening conversations on many of today’s issues. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was the first Latin American pope, likely influencing his mindset of inclusion and acceptance within the church.
The Apostolic Palace now sees a flood of faithful mourners paying respects to the late pope. On the morning of April 23, his coffin will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, open to the public for those who wish to pray before him.
