Pope Francis, first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has said and also revealed his burial wishes.
A death certificate released for the 88-year-old pontiff said he had fallen into a coma before his death, which was announced on Monday.
The Vatican released the Pope’s final testament, in which he outlined his request to be buried “in the ground, without particular ornamentation” but with the inscription “Franciscus”.
Francis said he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, rather than at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where many previous pontiffs have been laid to rest.
His coffin might be moved to St Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday morning to allow the faithful to pay their respects, a Vatican spokesman said.
Credits: Graphic Online
