Farewell to the Pontiff who defied protocols (and to some cardinals)
In an ironic twist of fate, Pope Francis, the man who survived criticism, Vatican conspiracies and even a pandemic, succumbed to a cerebral stroke. Yes, the same one who used to joke about his longevity (“God calls me, but he doesn’t answer the phone”) left this Monday at 7:35 AM, according to the official bulletin. The culprit? A coma and heart failure, because until death he wanted to do things big.
A testament so humble that it made the marble workers cry
The Vatican revealed that the Pontiff requested a tomb that was simpler than a seminary menu: no decorations, just a plaque with his name. “Franciscus”, period. No “Here lies the one who tried to cleanse the Curia and only succeeded in angering it.” Of course, he left millimeter instructions about its location in Santa María la Mayor, because even in eternity he wanted to control the decoration. The benefactor who will pay the expenses? Surely another poor mortal whom he convinced with his smile.
In case anyone doubted his death (perhaps some cardinal praying for a reverse miracle), the Vatican attached a flat electrocardiogram. “The causes are indicated,” declared the doctor, avoiding adding “and no, it was not the stress of dealing with you.”
Did you know that… Francisco spent his last months fighting respiratory problems? Ironic for someone who dedicated his life to giving fresh air to an institution suffocated by scandals. After 38 days at the Gemelli—a record for a Pope—he returned to Casa Santa Marta, where he was finally overcome by a stroke. Maybe heaven needed a reformer.
Don’t miss: Share this tribute to the leader who humanized the papacy (and follow our specials on his legacy). #GoodbyeFrancisco




