Pope Francis, 88, passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April, after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to coma and heart failure. Following nine days of mourning, the College of Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, and white smoke later signaled the election of a new pope. The Vatican has now confirmed his identity.
In his final will, released on 22 April, Pope Francis requested a simple burial at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, with a tomb marked only “Franciscus.”
