Overview

• Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM in Vatican City, following a period of declining health after a prolonged hospitalization earlier this year.
• The Vatican has entered the Novendiale, a nine-day mourning period, with his funeral to be held at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as per his wishes.
• Francis delivered his final Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday from a wheelchair, addressing global conflicts and advocating for peace and support for migrants.
• His twelve-year pontificate was marked by efforts to reform church governance, promote social justice, and address environmental issues through landmark initiatives like the 2015 encyclical 'Laudato si’'.
• A conclave of cardinals under 80 will convene within 20 days to elect his successor, with Argentina observing seven days of state mourning in his honor.