Pope Francis has broken from Vatican tradition as His Holiness's final wish, including the specifications for his burial, has been revealed.
Vatican officials confirmed the leader of the Catholic Church had passed away yesterday around 7.30am.
The pontiff's spiritual testament has since been released, dated June 29, 2022, revealing his wishes to be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica in a "simple underground tomb" as opposed to a more elaborate memorial.
Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican revealed 12 hours after his passing was announced.
Pope Francis upon arrival for a meeting with young people of Scholas Occurrente
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A person holds newspapers with pictures of Pope Francis, following his death
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A view of makeshift memorial, near St Peter's Square, following Pope Francis' death
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His testament reads: "Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the, mother of our lord, the blessed Virgin Mary.
"For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care."
"I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus."
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Worshippers pray in the Pauline Chapel
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A nun looks on, following the death of Pope Francis,
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Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was known for his modesty and commitment to service before becoming Pope in 2013.
He chose the name Francis - the first pontiff to do so - in honour of St Francis of Assisi, symbolising poverty and humility.
Francis was the first Jesuit pope and was a vocal supporter of those suffering from poverty, stressing the compatibility of faith and science.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
"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."
Pope Francis has died
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King Charles met with Pope Francis during the canonisation of Cardinal Newman held by the Pope at St. Peter's Square on October 13, 2019 in Vatican CityGettyKing Charles said in a statement: "His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others."
President Donald Trump said: "He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world, and it's an honor to do that," referring to his order that flags across the country be flown at half-staff to honor the Pontiff's memory.
