Vatican City - Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday. The Holy Father had battled various health issues throughout his 12-year papacy, including a recent serious bout of double pneumonia.
Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 following the historic resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
Traditional Nine-Day Mourning Period Begins
Following the Pope's death, the Vatican has entered a nine-day period of mourning known as "Novendiale," in accordance with ancient Roman tradition. During this solemn period, the Pope receives divine blessings as part of the funeral rites.
The Pope's body has been dressed in papal vestments and transferred to St. Peter's Basilica, the burial site of the first Pope, Saint Peter. The faithful will have the opportunity to pay their final respects during a public viewing.
Historically, between a Pope's death and burial, preservation of the body was necessary. From the 16th to 19th centuries, this occasionally involved removing certain organs from the papal remains as part of the preservation process.
Near the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome, built in the 18th century, there is a church housing marble urns containing the hearts of more than 20 former popes, a testament to this historical practice.
The funeral arrangements are expected to draw religious and political leaders from around the world to Vatican City in the coming days, as the Catholic Church prepares to select a successor to lead the global faith community.
Pope Francis, in his 12 years of pontificate, visited 68 countries, giving life to a tireless mission to take the Word of God and the comfort of His love to the whole human family.
