Vatican Discloses Pope Francis’ Cause of Death

The Vatican has officially announced the cause of death for Pope Francis, who died on Monday morning at the age of 88. 

The announcement stated that the pontiff experienced a cerebral stroke, resulting in a coma and subsequent irreversible heart failure.

The announcement follows closely on the heels of Pope Francis’s last public appearance, where he was seen in the popemobile traversing St. Peter’s Square, bestowing blessings during the Easter Sunday festivities.

Pope Francis has recently returned to the Vatican after a five-week hospital stay that commenced on February 14, 2025. He was admitted following a respiratory crisis that subsequently progressed into double pneumonia. The hospitalization represented the most extended period of his 12-year papacy.

The pope, who has chronic lung issues due to a partial lung removal in his youth, has had his overall health closely monitored in recent years. His return to the Vatican in March indicated progress, but Monday’s announcement revealed that ongoing complications had persisted, affecting his condition.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. Central European Summer Time (1:35 a.m. Eastern Time). Just over two hours later, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, formally announced his passing. He will manage the Church’s administrative responsibilities until a new pope is elected.

Now that the cause of death has been confirmed, focus will shift to the arrangements for the funeral and the preparations for the papal conclave, where the College of Cardinals will select the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.