Confirmed: The Vatican Makes an Urgent Decision Regarding Pope Francis's Will

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke that led to an irreversible coma and cardiocirculatory collapse. The news has been confirmed by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, who activated the corresponding protocol in the presence of the Vatican's medical team. His death marks the end of a pontificate that for more than a decade left a profound mark on the Catholic Church.

Few hours after the announcement, the Vatican has released the pontiff's will, an intimate document that reflects his most personal wishes. In it, the pope expressed decisions that have surprised many for their simplicity and coherence. Some details have already been released, although others will remain reserved out of respect for his will.

A Clear and Humble Will

The will of Pope Francis, drafted in 2022 and ratified on April 21, 2025, the pontiff made his last will clear. "Feeling that the twilight of my earthly life is approaching and with firm hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only regarding the place of my burial." His decision has surprised by the simplicity with which he wanted to close his life cycle.

Francis requested to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a temple he visited before and after each apostolic journey. "I wish my remains to be buried in the earth, simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus," he wrote. The Pope rejected the pomp of other papal burials and chose modesty as a reflection of his pontificate.

The burial will be located between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, in a humble tomb funded by a benefactor. The administration of the details has been entrusted to Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, responsible for that Marian basilica. With this, the coherence with his life of service and closeness to the most needy is kept.

The Farewell of a Very Close Pope

The official medical report confirmed that the Pope passed away on Monday morning. At eight o'clock sharp, the rite of death verification was performed, as dictated by Vatican protocol. From that moment, the seat was officially declared vacant.

From now on, the Church enters a period of reflection and transition. In the coming days, the conclave schedule will be announced, expected for early May. Meanwhile, thousands of faithful are preparing to pay tribute to a Pope who marked an era.

Francis will be remembered for his humility, his openness to dialogue, and his commitment to the poorest. His will, sober and profound, reflects his spiritual vision: "I do not wish for tributes, but prayer." With this serene and unostentatious farewell, a pontificate that left a mark comes to a close.