Plans have began in Rome, Italy to find a successor for Pope Francis who passed away on Monday morning. The Vatican announced the death of the Pope in a video statement. 

The process for choosing a new pope referred to as conclave takes place between 15 and 20 days after the death of a pontiff.

In recent years, the 88-year-old was forced to cancel some events, sometimes at the last minute, because of his health.

Bishop of Rome

The pontiff, who was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.

Francis had experienced a string of health worries in recent years and spent 38 days in hospital in February and March this year.

But he recovered enough to leave hospital and was seen greeting crowds on Easter Sunday in St Peter's Square.

People's Pope'

Born in 1936, Francis was the first pope from South America. His papacy was marked by his championing of those escaping war and hunger, as well as those in poverty, earning him the nickname, "People's Pope".

An estimated 1.4 billion Catholics across the world will mourn Francis' passing.

Activities

Meanwhile the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has outlined a series of solemn activities to honour the memory of Pope Francis.

These activities include: A National Memorial Mass to be celebrated at a date to be determined later. All bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful who are able to attend will be warmly invited to participate in this solemn liturgy.

Furthermore, all  archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes have been encouraged to organise local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in Honour of Pope Francis. These should be moments of prayerful refelection on his teachings and witness.

Schools, seminaries, and other Catholic institutions have also been encouraged to host prayer services, talks , or discussions to help the faithful, especially the young, to appreciate the life and legacy of Pope Francis.

This was contained in a statement signed by Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Legacy

Pope Francis served as the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

Overall, Pope Francis' legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both praise and criticism from different quarters. However, his commitment to simplicity, dialogue, and concern for the marginalised has had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world, leaving behind a legacy marked by simplicity, dialogue, and a deep concern for the marginalised.