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The world has swiftly responded to the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing at the age of 88, which occurred on Easter Monday. In the hours following the news, many mourners have gathered in churches to honour the late pontiff.
The death of a pope triggers a meticulously planned series of ceremonies and traditions that commence even before the conclave is convened to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church. These rituals include the official confirmation of his death, a public display of his body to allow the faithful to pay their last respects, and culminate in a funeral and burial.