Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced three days of mourning and said in a statement that Pele was “a great citizen and patriot who can enhance Brazil’s reputation wherever he goes.”
President-elect Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, Bosonaro’s successor, wrote on Twitter: “few Brazilians can act in the name of our country like him.”
Bailey has been receiving chemotherapy since the tumor was removed from the colon in September 2021.
Since an unsuccessful hip surgery in 2012, it has been difficult for him to walk without help. In February 2020, on the eve of novel coronavirus’s pandemic, Pele’s son, Adinho, said he was frustrated by Pele’s poor health.
On Monday, a 24-hour memorial service will be held in the middle of Pele’s hometown Santos Stadium. Pele began to play for Santos Club as a teenager and quickly became famous there.
The next day, a parade carrying his coffin will pass through the streets of Santos, through the community where his 100-year-old mother lives, and finally to the Christian Memorial Cemetery, where a private ceremony will be held before Pele is buried.