Pope Francis' Final Testament Reveals Burial Requests

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at age 88 from a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, according to the Vatican. His passing has prompted widespread mourning among Catholics worldwide. The Vatican released his final testament, in which Francis requested a simple burial in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal interment at St. Peter's Basilica. He specified that his tomb be plain, in the ground, and marked only with the inscription 'Franciscus,' with the costs covered by a benefactor. The funeral and burial arrangements reflect Francis’ lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary and his wish for humility in death. World leaders and public figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, paid tribute to the late pontiff and his enduring impact on the global Catholic community.