Gladness Gideon
Italy has entered a solemn period of national mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88. The government has declared five days of official mourning to honour the beloved pontiff, whose death marks the end of a historic papacy that reshaped the global Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy was defined by a focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized.
Across Italy, flags at public institutions are flying at half-mast, a visible symbol of the nation’s grief. The capital, Rome, has ramped up security ahead of the funeral and burial scheduled for Saturday, with an influx of dignitaries from around the world expected to attend the solemn occasion.
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In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. Located near the city’s main railway station and just a few kilometres from the Vatican, the basilica holds deep spiritual significance for the late pontiff, who often visited it before and after papal missions abroad.
Preparations for the funeral are underway, with Italian authorities coordinating a multi-agency security operation to manage the anticipated crowds and ensure the safety of global leaders and thousands of mourners.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion and reform, and his final resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore is a testament to his deep devotion to Mary and his pastoral approach to leadership. As Italy mourns, the world reflects on the profound impact of a pope who sought to build bridges in an increasingly divided world.