Pope Francis, the Catholic leader from Argentina, wey die on Monday from stroke at age 88, go get him funeral on Saturday, according to wetin Vatican announce on Tuesday.
The burial go happen by 10:00 am for St Peter’s Basilica for Vatican City. After the service, dem go carry him coffin — made from wood and zinc as he request — go Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica for Rome for final burial.
The burial arrangement na part of old Church process wey don start already, as cardinals don begin gather to later elect new Pope within three weeks.
The first picture of the Pope inside him open coffin don come out — he wear him red papal cloth, with rosary for hand, inside the chapel of Casa Santa Marta where he live and die.
World leaders like:
- Donald Trump (US)
- Emmanuel Macron (France)
- Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine)
don already confirm say dem go attend.
Argentina don declare one week national mourning, while India dey do three days state mourning — rare thing for foreign religious leader.
Pope Francis wey be first ever pope from America and first Jesuit pope, rule the Catholic Church for 12 years (since 2013). He replace Benedict XVI, and na liberal reformer wey try make the Church open to everybody.
He always stand for:
- Migrants
- Social justice
- Environmental issues
But he still hold on to traditional Church positions like:
- No abortion
- No married priests
Pope Francis reject luxury and live humble life. For his will, he say make dem bury am simple, with just “Franciscus” write on top tomb.
According to death certificate, he die of stroke, wey cause coma and heart failure. Even though doctors tell am rest for 2 months after e leave hospital for March 23, him still dey make public appearances.
Even during Easter celebration, he show face with smile inside popemobile, even though e look tired.
On Monday evening, thousands of people gather for St Peter’s Square, pray and drop flowers and candles for the Pope.
One student talk say:
“Pope Francis teach say your race or sexual orientation no matter — all of us dey equal before God.”
