The world has said its last goodbyes to Pope Francis. The Argentinian-born pope was buried on Saturday in front of thousands of mourners, with many world leaders and dignitaries having traveled to Rome for the service.
Among them were Donald and Melania Trump, who journeyed to Italy to be a part of the sendoff. But was Melania really there? Well, there’s now a conspiracy theory online claims it wasn’t her but a body double.
Donald Trump (left/right), Melania Trump (middle). Credit: Getty Images, X/CalltoActivism
Pope Francis has been mourned by millions worldwide. Born Jorge Bergoglio, he was pope for 12 years before passing away on Monday, April 21 at 88. Francis wasn’t an ordinary pope for many reasons.
He advocated for support for immigrants and those experiencing poverty, while refusing to live a lavish lifestyle. When Francis was elected, he declined to use the grand papal apartment on the top floor of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, instead moving into a modest two-room residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, previously used for guests. He also refused to accept the $32,000 monthly salary from the Catholic Church.
Wearing traditional clothing is a significant aspect of a pope’s role – and while some want to uphold traditions no matter what – Francis had other ideas.
Just a few weeks after he had been elected pope, his aides urged him to wear white trousers to match his white cassock. Speaking to NPR, Francis’ biographer, Auster Ivereigh, claimed the pope declined, saying: ”No thanks. I don’t want to look like an ice cream seller.”
The pope enjoyed spending time with “ordinary people,” helping those in need. Just a day before his death, though his health was waning, he decided to pass through the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in his so-called popemobile without the bulletproof glass around him. The crowd was estimated to be 50,000 people strong, and Francis smiled as he hugged members.
Pope Francis dead at 88
On Monday, April 21, the Vatican sadly announced his death.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Pope Francis also left a will with his last wishes before his passing – and it included some quite special arrangements,
“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial. I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” Francis wrote.
“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care. I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.”