VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke, which subsequently led to cardiac collapse. The announcement has triggered an outpouring of grief across the globe, with memorials and prayer services underway in every corner of the Catholic world.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis passed away early yesterday morning, at 7.35am on 21 April, inside his private residence at the Vatican. His death marks the end of a deeply transformative era for the Catholic Church.
Medical Report Confirms Cause of Death
Dr Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, released the official medical statement confirming the cause of death as: “Stroke, coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
Dr Arcangeli added: “I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
The report also noted Pope Francis had a complex medical history, including:
- Acute respiratory failure due to multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia
- Multiple bronchiectases (a chronic lung condition)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Type II diabetes
The confirmation of his passing was made using electrocardiographic thanatography, a precise cardiac monitoring technique used to establish death.
Across continents, churches and communities have been holding memorials and vigils for the late pontiff. In St. Peter’s Square, thousands of mourners gathered last night, joining Cardinal Mauro Gambetti in a solemn rosary prayer service.
Candles lit up the Vatican as worshippers offered silent prayers and remembered a man known for his humility, compassion, and efforts to modernise the Church.
Prayer services are continuing today in various parts of the world. Among them, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will celebrate a special memorial Mass at 10am local time at Holy Name Cathedral in the United States.
Similar tributes are being planned in major cities including London, Rome, Buenos Aires, and Manila.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. During his papacy, he earned global respect for championing social justice, encouraging interfaith understanding, and steering the Church towards greater compassion and inclusivity.
As many have noted, his compassionate leadership left a lasting impact on both the faithful and world leaders alike, as reflected in tributes from UK leaders.
His sudden death has left the Catholic community in deep mourning, while tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens.
While the Vatican has yet to release details about the official funeral arrangements or the process for selecting a successor, Church officials are calling for continued prayers and unity.
The death of Pope Francis, attributed to stroke and cardiac collapse, has sent shockwaves across the globe. His legacy, shaped by empathy, reform, and spiritual guidance, will be felt for generations to come. As the world mourns, the Vatican prepares to honour a life of service and leadership.
