Pope Francis: His life and legacy

Funeral arrangements have been set for Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pope from Argentina, who died early Monday.

Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia. He made his last public appearance on Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and making what would be his final greeting to followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter's Square. He also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Sunday.

Francis died of a cerebral stroke, the Vatican said. Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department, said that the stroke put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure.

In his final will, Francis confirmed he would be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, which is outside the Vatican and home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend Saturday’s funeral, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.

The first images of Francis' body were released Tuesday, showing him in the wooden casket, in red vestments and his bishop’s miter, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died.

Public viewing will begin on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

Word on Fire's Matt Petrusek joins LiveNOW's Andrew Craft to discuss the legacy Pope Francis leaves behind.

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