Pope Francis dies at 88, plans simplified funeral rites at St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis has died at age 88, prompting a period of mourning and funeral rites that reflect his wish for simplicity and humility. Departing from longstanding tradition, Francis will lie in state in an open coffin and will be buried in a single wooden and zinc casket at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, rather than under St. Peter’s Basilica. He had approved an updated liturgical rite for papal funerals, emphasizing the role of the pope as a pastor rather than a worldly leader, and introducing new procedures such as ascertaining death in a chapel and immediate placement in the coffin. The Vatican's established protocols for papal succession are being followed, including a nine-day mourning period and destruction of the papal seal. World leaders and the faithful are expected to pay their respects, and the late pope's funeral plans are seen as a continuation of his dedication to serving the marginalized and simplifying church traditions. His legacy includes reforms to both church governance and the funeral process itself.