Pope Francis died at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma followed by irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse and heart failure. The Vatican confirmed the cause of death was a stroke, which triggered heart failure, as certified by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the chief of the Vatican health department. He also had preexisting health conditions such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
Francis had recently experienced a prolonged illness beginning in mid-February 2025, which included a 38-day hospital stay for a respiratory crisis that evolved into double pneumonia. He was discharged on March 23, 2025, and made a public appearance on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025), where he gave a traditional Easter blessing and greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since his hospitalization. Shortly before his death, he also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Following his death, Pope Francis’s coffin was moved from the Domus Santa Marta residence to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing as part of funeral preparations. His burial is set to take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death, in accordance with Vatican tradition. Pope Francis decreed in his will that he would be interred in a simple underground tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Pope Francis was widely praised for his humility, devotion to the poor, efforts to reform the Catholic Church, and his outreach to marginalized groups. World leaders, religious figures, and communities expressed deep sorrow and admiration for his work promoting peace, social justice, interfaith dialogue, and care for the environment.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded his humility and love for the less fortunate.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted his legacy of faith and compassion for the marginalized.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised Francis for inspiring people to live better lives through humility and mercy.
Religious leaders such as the Dalai Lama, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Jewish community leaders acknowledged his significant contributions to interfaith relations and peace.
Pope Francis’s health had been fragile for years. He had part of one lung removed when young, suffered pneumonia, bronchitis, a hernia, intestinal scar tissue, and knee problems requiring the use of a cane or wheelchair starting in 2022. Despite health challenges, he remained an active spiritual leader until his last days.
Following Pope Francis’s death, the Catholic Church has entered a period known as “sede vacante,” during which the College of Cardinals assumes governance but cannot make major decisions. Within 15 to 20 days, the cardinals under age 80 will convene in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel for a conclave to elect the new pope through multiple secret ballots requiring a two-thirds majority for selection. The new pope will then be announced with the traditional “Habemus Papam” declaration.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace with his maker, the all-seeing and all-knowing God.