Death of Pope Francis has left the Catholic Church and the entire nation of Italy in deep sorrow following his unexpected passing yesterday at 1:35 p.m., Philippine time.
In an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo Butuan, Reverend Fr. Coke Prieto, Bombo’s international news correspondent in Rome, confirmed that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made a visible effort to appear before the public during Easter Sunday, despite his declining health. “Haltang pinilit lamang ng Santo Papa ang kanyang sarili na makita ng publiko ang kanyang presensya noong Easter Sunday kungsaan binasa ang kanyang ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message ni Archbishop Diego Ravelli, ang Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.” (It was apparent that the Pope forced himself to be seen by the public during Easter Sunday, where his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.)
Fr. Prieto revealed that in the coming days, the Church will carry out pre-arranged changes as instructed by the Holy Father before his death—most notably, his request to be placed directly in an open casket rather than first lying in repose on a deathbed.
Following the Vatican’s official announcement of Pope Francis’ death, Archbishop Diego Ravelli issued a notification naming Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, as the official in charge of overseeing the Pope’s final arrangements and leading the Church in maintaining order during this period.
These preparations and instructions, as set by Pope Francis himself, are expected to be executed in the following days, ensuring that his wishes are honored precisely, including his preference for a public viewing through an open casket.