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Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to attend funeral of Pope Francis

The pontiff’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26

YEREVAN, April 22. /TASS/. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will head to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, his spokesman Father Isaiah Artenyan told TASS on Tuesday.

"His Holiness will travel to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis," Artenyan said.

The pontiff’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26. A number of world leaders are expected to attend the ceremony. The presidents of Brazil, the United States and France have announced such plans. Representatives of various religions and churches will also gather for the funeral.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to a stroke, followed by a coma and fatal cardiovascular collapse.

A month ago, he was discharged from the hospital after a 40-day treatment for severe pneumonia. His doctors said later that the pontiff had twice reached the brink of death and was eventually prescribed to have complete rest for two months. However, he started to go for brief walks to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. On Easter Sunday, the pontiff took a popemobile for a tour of St. Peter’s Square, full of believers.

Pope Francis himself described a simplified rite for his funeral. He wished to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which he always visited for prayers.

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