Pope Francis was chosen to succeed Benedict XVI in 2013, and has proven very popular over the years. He is dedicated to modernising the Roman Catholic Church, and has worked to combat the corruption and history of child abuse within the establishment.
Discover our latest podcast
However, Pope Francis has also dealt with a whole array of health issues since he took on this role. As he gets older - he is set to turn 87 on Sunday 17 December - his health is starting to get in the way of him carrying out his duties. That being said, the pontiff is sticking to his beliefs to the end; even when it comes to the preparations for his funeral. Breaking away from the tradition of popes being buried within the Vatican, he is planning his funeral in a spot that holds a personal significance for him.
Pope Francis’ funeral will break from tradition
Popes are usually buried in the crypts beneath St. Peter's Basilica, but Pope Francis will be the first in over a century to be laid to rest outside of the Vatican. He has decided to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which holds a special significance for him. This basilica holds his favourite icon of the Madonna, and he traditionally goes there to pray before and after all of his trips abroad.
In keeping with his stripped-back approach, his funeral is reportedly being planned to feature much less pomp and privilege than is traditionally the case for a pope. Indeed, the pontiff never wears the traditional crimson and fur-trimmed cape and has continued to wear the same style of black shoes and plastic watch that he had when he entered the position.
Pope Francis’ health issues
Pope Francis has had to manage several health issues over the years. When he was younger, he had part of his lung removed due to a respiratory infection. In 2021, he had intestinal surgery because his large intestine had narrowed. More recently, in June 2023, he underwent a three-hour surgery to remove a hernia.
His health occasionally gets in the way of his work. He has had to cancel several appearances recently, including the Cop28 meeting in Dubai because of bronchitis. When asked about his health, he seemed positive:
I feel good, I feel improved. Sometimes I'm told I'm not prudent because I feel like doing things and moving around. I guess those are good signs, no? I am quite well.
Indeed, he has stated that he will continue in the role as long as he is well enough to do so. He believes that papal resignations are sometimes necessary, but should not become the norm. Indeed, he has asserted himself in the role, and has even punished a cardinal who has repeatedly spoken out against him.
Pope Francis is very keen to keep working as long as his health allows it, and this shines through in his schedule: he is planning trips in 2024 to Polynesia, to Belgium, and to his native Argentina - for his first visit there since he was elected in 2013.
Read more:
⋙ The Pope: Salary, pension, this is how much the head of the Catholic church earns
⋙ This woman who was declared dead wakes up 8 hours later during her funeral (VIDEO)
⋙ Here's why a first date at a funeral is better than McDonald's
Sources used:
Reuters: Pope wants to simplify papal funeral rites, be buried outside Vatican
The Sun: HEAVEN’S GATE Pope Francis, 86, has prepared his tomb and planned his funeral as health fears grow after he vows not to resign
