Did you know that over 60,000 people paid their respects to Pope Francis in just two days? St. Peter’s Basilica became a focal point of mourning as the world bid farewell to the late pontiff.
The doors of the 16th-century basilica remained open through the night, a testament to the devotion and respect held for Pope Francis. His simple wooden coffin rested on the main altar,a poignant reminder of his humble approach to leadership.
the Vatican confirmed that tens of thousands of mourners filed past Pope Francis’s body since the basilica opened its doors on Wednesday. the sheer number of people underscores the global impact of his papacy.
Pope Francis, the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, passed away at the age of 88 in his Casa Santa Marta residence. His death followed a stroke and subsequent heart failure, marking the end of a notable era for the Catholic church.
According to his medical team, Pope Francis passed away peacefully and without prolonged suffering.Despite their efforts, there was ultimately nothing more they could do to save his life.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a physician at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, recounted the moment he realized the Pope was in a coma. “I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me,” he shared with Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, painting a vivid picture of the Pope’s final moments.
Despite recovering from double pneumonia,Pope Francis seemed to be doing well in the days leading up to his death. Dr. Alfieri noted that the Pope was “very well” during their last meeting on Saturday afternoon.
In a touching revelation,Dr. alfieri shared Pope Francis’s final regret: his inability to perform the foot-washing ritual on prisoners. This symbolic act of service and humility, echoing christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet, was a tradition the Pope held dear.
“‘This time I couldn’t do it’ was the last thing he said to me,” Dr. Alfieri recalled, highlighting the Pope’s unwavering commitment to serving others, even in his final days.
Image: Pope Francis greeting crowds on Easter Sunday, the day before his death.
FAQ About Pope Francis’s Passing
- when did pope Francis die?
- Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025.
- How old was Pope Francis when he died?
- pope Francis was 88 years old.
- What was the cause of Pope Francis’s death?
- Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure.
- Where did Pope Francis die?
- Pope Francis died at his home in Casa Santa Marta.
- How many people viewed Pope Francis’s body?
- More than 60,000 people viewed Pope Francis’s body in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’s Legacy: An Expert Interview
The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.To delve deeper into his impact and legacy, Time.news spoke with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a renowned scholar of religious studies and papal history.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us.the outpouring of grief following pope Francis’s death has been immense, with over 60,000 people paying their respects in St.Peter’s Basilica in just two days. What does this tell us about his global influence?
Dr. Vance: It speaks volumes.The sheer number of mourners underscores the profound connection Pope Francis forged with people from all walks of life. He wasn’t just a religious leader; he was a symbol of hope, compassion, and humility. The global community clearly recognized and appreciated those qualities. The long lines, the basilica remaining open through the night – these are visual testaments to his enduring legacy.
Time.news: Pope Francis passed away at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart failure. What can you tell us about the circumstances surrounding his death?
Dr.Vance: Reports indicate that his passing was peaceful, and he was surrounded by those caring for him. We also learned from Dr. Sergio Alfieri’s account that the Pope was in good spirits just days before. The fast fact that Pope Francis appeared in St.Peter’s Square on Easter sunday, greeting crowds, highlights his dedication to his duties even in his final days.
Time.news: The article mentions Pope Francis’s regret at being unable to perform the foot-washing ritual on prisoners. Why was this so significant?
Dr. Vance: The foot-washing ritual is a powerful symbol of service and humility, directly echoing Jesus Christ’s actions. Pope Francis practiced this ritual every year, and his inability to do so this time clearly weighed heavily on him. it encapsulates his entire papacy: a dedication to serving the marginalized and vulnerable. It’s also a poignant reminder that even in positions of immense power, true leadership lies in humble service.
Time.news: What, in your opinion, will be Pope Francis’s most lasting contribution to the Catholic Church and the world?
Dr. Vance: That’s a question that will be debated for years. However, I beleive his focus on social justice, his emphasis on dialog and inclusivity, and his challenge to the status quo within the Church will be remembered most. He brought a fresh perspective to the papacy, advocating for the poor, speaking out against inequality, and urging the Church to be more responsive to the needs of the modern world. Readers can explore his key initiatives and reforms during his tenure to understand his lasting legacy.
Time.news: What message would you want our readers to take away as they reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis?
Dr. Vance: I would urge readers to consider the example he set. His unwavering commitment to compassion, humility, and service is a powerful lesson for all of us, regardless of our faith. Analyze the impact of his actions. His papacy challenged us to look beyond our own needs and to work towards a more just and equitable world. that’s a legacy worth striving for. Keep in mind that “Francis’s papacy was defined by compassion for refugees” [[related article link]]. Consider how you can live a life more aligned with the values he championed.
Keywords: Pope Francis, Pope Francis death, Catholic Church,, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican, Pope Francis legacy, papal history, Casa Santa Marta, Dr.Sergio Alfieri, foot-washing ritual, religious studies.
