Pope Francis Passes Away: Announcement by Donald Trump Confirming His Attendance at the Funeral of the High Priest
Remember Me: Pope Francis' Farewell
Get ready as the world says goodbye to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at 88 years old. His funeral will take place in Rome in a few days, and several leaders will be in attendance, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite his contentious anti-migrant policies clashing with Pope Francis' humanitarian views, Trump announced on Monday that he would attend the Vatican with his wife.[1][2]
Stay Updated: Pope's Body to be Displayed*?
While Pope Francis' body was placed in a coffin at 8 p.m. in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, the Holy See is contemplating displaying the deceased Pope's body from Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica.[3] However, confirmation on this will be provided after the first Congregation of cardinals on Tuesday.
Show of Solidarity: Paris Honors Pope Francis
A mass was held at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris at 6 p.m., paying tribute to Pope Francis. Earlier in the day, the cathedral's bells rang 88 times at 11 a.m., symbolizing the 88 years of the late Pope's life. A great vigil of prayer is also planned for the evening, with the Eiffel Tower turning off its lights in his honor on Monday evening.[1][4]
Inspirational Legacy: Pope's Call for Fraternity
The French Bishops' Conference praised Pope Francis for his call to humanity to believe in fraternity, emphasizing his efforts in promoting dialogue between religions, prioritizing the needs of the poor, and setting a humble example in pastoral practice.[4]
Outpouring of Tributes:
French President Emmanuel Macron, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were among those who expressed their condolences, praising the Pope's impact on millions beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and empathy towards the vulnerable.[1][4]
Health Issues and Papal Service:
Pope Francis was hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis, having appeared frail and short of breath for some days. The Vatican later disclosed that he had a "polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract" and, four days later, revealed he suffered from pneumonia affecting both lungs, with his condition being described as "complex." He was discharged from the hospital on March 23.[5]
First elected on March 13, 2013, following Benedict XVI's resignation, this Argentine Jesuit's election was met with surprise, as he was the first South American Pope. Paired with the name of Saint Francis of Assisi, the brother of the poor, Pope Francis championed the needs of the less fortunate and showed sensitivity towards migrants and the environment.[1][5]
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-dead-vatican-confirm-2023-04-21/[2] https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/04/24/donald-trump-says-he-will-attend-pope-francis-funeral-in-rome-with-melania/[3] https://www.explorj.com/news/18738-pope-francis-funeral-what-we-know-so-far[4] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230425-france-vigil-for-pope-francis-as-rome-prepares-for-historic-memorial-service[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58273740
- Despite Trump's anti-migrant policies contrasting with Pope Francis' humanitarian views, he announced that he would attend the Vatican with his wife, showing a displaying of politics in the general-news.
- The Pope's body, placed in a coffin, may be displayed from Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica, a decision that is under consideration by the Holy See, related to the ongoing news.
- Pope Francis, who championed frailty and sensitivity towards migrants and the environment, has left an inspirational legacy, as stated by the French Bishops' Conference.
- In the wake of Pope Francis' death, condolences have poured in from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, recognizing his impact on millions beyond the Catholic Church.
