Pope Francis who passed on Monday at the age of 88 died of died of a stroke, causing a coma and “irreversible” heart failure, according to his death certificate released by the Vatican.
The Pontiff was seen on Easter Sunday greeting the crowd at St Peter’s Square after he recovered from double pneumonia in March.
The Vatican released his final testament in the evening.
Pope Francis confirmed in his final testament that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major and not at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, unlike many previous pontiffs.
The text specified that Francis wanted to be buried “in the ground, without particular decoration” but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
Meanwhile world leaders paid their tribute.
Former US president Joe Biden: “Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him,” Biden, a staunch Catholic, wrote on X alongside a picture of him and the Pope.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.”
King Charles, who is also the head of the Church of England, said he was “deeply saddened” by Francis’s death, adding: “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many”.
Argentine President Javier Milei: “In spite of differences that today seem minor, to have known him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honour for me.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Francis as a “respected statesman”.
French President Emmanuel Macron: “ Pope Francis has always been on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile” and that he had stood for “brotherly humankind”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us,”
