Vatican Rocked: Pope Francis Dead, cardinals Convene for Secret Succession Talks

Pope Francis, the beloved and often controversial leader of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his passing today, plunging the global Catholic community into mourning and initiating the intricate process of selecting his successor.

Details surrounding the pontiff's final hours have begun to emerge, following the release of the first images of his body lying in an open casket. Vatican officials confirmed the cause of death as cerebral stroke and heart failure.

Attention now swiftly turns to the College of Cardinals, who will convene in the coming days for the conclave – a highly private assembly held in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Pope. The death of Francis, known for his reformist views and emphasis on compassion, marks a pivotal moment for the future direction of the church. The world watches keenly to see who will step into the shoes of "the people's pope."

Sources:
Al Jazeera (2025, April 22). Pope Francis dies, leading to search for new leader of Catholic Church.
Sky News (2025, April 22). World News - Breaking international news and headlines. https://news.sky.com/world
Yahoo News. Latest and Breaking News, Headlines, Live Updates, and More. https://news.yahoo.com/