The Albanian government has declared April 26, 2025, as a national day of mourning in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound loss in the religious world.
The decision in question was taken in support of the law "On National Symbols", was proposed by Edi Rama and approved by the Council of Ministers.
The Pope's death came due to complications caused by a stroke and was announced early on Easter Monday morning and confirmed on Monday by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican's health department.
Pope Francis, who suffered from a chronic lung disease and had part of his lung removed as a youth, was hospitalized for 38 days earlier this year due to pneumonia.
The death of a pope triggers a series of carefully orchestrated rituals and ceremonies. The cardinals who meet the criteria will vote for a successor in the Sistine Chapel, through a process known as a conclave.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, originally from Argentina, Pope Francis brought a new spirit to a 2,000-year-old institution that had lost influence during the turbulent papacy of Benedict XVI. But Pope Francis also faced his own difficulties, as conservatives became increasingly dissatisfied with his progressive leanings, outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, and suppression of traditionalists.
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