Pope Francis has passed away due to a stroke, cardiovascular arrest, and other health complications, according to a death certificate released by The Vatican. The pontiff, who was 88 years old, had been battling a lung infection, high blood pressure, and diabetes. After spending time in a Rome hospital for pneumonia, he had returned to the Vatican before his death.
The public will likely be able to pay their final respects to Pope Francis starting on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica. His wish to be buried in the ground at St. Mary Major Basilica has also been revealed. His funeral must take place between four and six days after his death.
Following his passing, a ‘sede vacante’ period has begun in The Vatican, marking the time between the death of one pope and the election of another. His formal apartment has been sealed, and the conclave, where cardinals elect a new pope, is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days after his death.
The process of electing a new pope is conducted in secret and typically lasts for several weeks. If the cardinals have difficulty reaching a consensus on a candidate, the conclave may last longer. The exact start date of the conclave has not been confirmed, but it is expected to begin within the specified timeframe.
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