The death of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88 set off grief and mourning around the world — along with a complex process to find a successor.
Here is what to know about how Francis died, and what is expected to happen next.
Here’s what you need to know:
- How did the pope die?
- What happens when a pope dies?
- Will Francis lie in state?
- When will Pope Francis’ funeral take place?
- How will the next pope be chosen?
- How long will it take to choose a new pope?
How did the pope die?
The Vatican said Francis died of a cerebral stroke that brought on a coma and the collapse of his cardiovascular system.
The pontiff had recently returned to the Vatican to convalesce after a weekslong stay in the hospital to treat pneumonia in both lungs. Twice during that 38-day hospitalization, doctors said, Francis nearly died.
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Contrary to his doctors’ orders to stay essentially isolated in his Vatican residence to recover, the pope resumed a limited schedule after his release from the hospital. A day before his death, he met with Vice President JD Vance and blessed the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Easter Mass.
He had made several public appearances over the past week. But his weak, raspy voice was a reminder of his frailty.
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