Death of Pope Francis announced

In a surprising announcement, Pope Francis has requested to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, a historic church located in the heart of Rome, rather than St. Peter's Basilica. The deceased Pope's body is currently on display at St. Peter's Basilica, a large church situated within the Vatican, an independent city-state enclosed within Rome, Italy.

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is where the Pope resides and where the Roman Catholic Church, the world's largest Christian denomination, has its headquarters. The Vatican City State is a small country within Rome, known for its rich history and cultural significance.

The decision to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, which is not the mother of Jesus but a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, marks a departure from the tradition of burying Popes in St. Peter's Basilica. The exact reason for this decision is not yet clear.

Following the burial, a meeting called a conclave will take place to elect a new Pope. Cardinals, senior ecclesiastical officials and advisors to the Pope, will be the only electors in this process. The conclave, which can last for a few days or even months, will begin no later than May 10th.

The election process involves voting and burning of ballots. The smoke from the burning ballots will signal the outcome of the election. If a new Pope has been chosen, the smoke will be white. If not, the smoke will be black.

The news of Pope Francis' burial has garnered international attention. US President Trump has announced his plans to attend the funeral service, although the specific countries whose politicians will attend are yet to be detailed. Italy, a founding member of the European Union, is a country in Southern Europe with a population of about 60 million people.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has relied on the Blessed Virgin Mary and has often spoken about his devotion to her. His decision to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, a church dedicated to Mary, may be seen as a reflection of his deep faith.

The Vatican City State is also home to the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the military force that protects the Pope and the Vatican. The Swiss Guard, with its distinctive uniforms, is a symbol of the Vatican's rich history and tradition.

As the world awaits the election of a new Pope, the news of Pope Francis' burial in Santa Maria Maggiore has added a new chapter to the long and storied history of the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican City State.