- VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88
at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta will be buried on Saturday
at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a site of deep personal significance
for the pontiff.
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- The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has
been a central Marian shrine for over sixteen centuries. Pope Francis often
prayed here, especially after returning from his numerous apostolic visits
abroad.
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- This will be the first papal burial at the Basilica since
the 17th century, when Pope Clement IX was interred there. The basilica is also
the final resting place of seven other popes, saints including Matthew and
Jerome, and Renaissance master Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his family.
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- True to the spirit of simplicity that defined his life
and ministry, Pope Francis had requested a modest burial. According to his last
testament, his tomb will be in the ground, devoid of elaborate decoration,
bearing only a single inscription.
Read: Bishop of Kohima pays tribute to Pope Francis
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- The Vatican also confirmed that the body of Pope Francis
may be transferred temporarily to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23,
pending approval from the College of Cardinals, to allow the faithful to pay their
final respects.
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- The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni
Battista Re, has convened General Congregations starting Tuesday to prepare for
the upcoming Conclave, expected to take place between May 5 to May 10.
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- The funeral will be attended by numerous world leaders,
with Italy and India already declaring three days of state mourning.
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- Just hours before his death, the ailing pontiff had met
with US Vice President J.D. Vance after participating in Easter services
despite his visibly weakened state.
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