“Let my tomb be simple”: How did Pope Francis die and what was his will?

The Vatican announced the news that caused great sadness and heartache: Pope Francis died of a coma and cardiac arrest following a stroke, the head of the Vatican's health department, Andrea Arcangeli, announced.

The last hours of the pontiff's life
Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at his residence, Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.

In mid-February, he was hospitalized with bronchitis, and later his condition worsened, and he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The Pope has been put on a ventilator several times.

Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23 after a 38-day stay in hospital. Just a day before his death, on April 20, he made his last public appearance in St. Peter's Square, where he greeted the assembled Catholics on Easter.

Farewell ceremony and burial
The farewell ceremony for the Pope will take place on April 23 in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Francis's burial is expected to take place between April 25 and 27. The exact date will be determined by the cardinals of the Catholic Church.

Francis's will - no pomp
Pope Francis wrote his will in June 2022, in which he stated that he wanted to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He also specifically stated that the funeral expenses would be covered by donations.

Interestingly, he also described the design of his tomb in his will:

“Let it be simple, in the ground. No steps or decorations are necessary. Only one word, Francis, will be written on it,” the pontiff’s will states.

Pope Francis lived his life with humility, generosity, and love. What memories do you have of him?