Less than 24 hours after the Pope’s sudden death sh0cked the world, the Vatican has confirmed new details.
The Vatican has released the official report on Pope Francis’ passing, confirming the cause of death as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and what was described as “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
The Holy See Press Office released the report which was written by Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr Andrea Arcangeli.
The report detailed the Pope’s prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes.
It resolved his passing was confirmed as a ‘stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse’ through electrocardiographic thanatography.
Dr Arcangeli said: “I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
On the morning of April 21, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis had passed away at 7:35 a.m. in his residence.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the news from Casa Santa Marta, expressing sorrow and gratitude. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 so the faithful may pay their respects. That plan was expected to be finalized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals on Tuesday morning.
At 8 p.m. on Monday evening, a formal rite was held to certify the Pope’s death and place his body in a coffin in the chapel of his residence. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell and lasted just under an hour.
Seals were also placed on the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived. Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, later confirmed that Pope Francis’ close collaborators had begun paying their respects. He also noted that funeral arrangements were still pending.
“Oh my God he is now resting,” one netizen commented. Another shared, “Rest in Peace, as you well deserve 🙏,” while a third typed, “Rip Pope 🙏 you will be missed.”
Just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance that now stands as a poignant final moment in public view.
On Easter Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff — still recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia — blessed thousands who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the holiday Mass.
Although he delegated the main Easter service to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope made a striking entrance afterward. Emerging onto the central balcony above the basilica’s entrance, he greeted the faithful with a simple yet spirited message.
Following the news of the Pope’s death, St. Peter’s Square filled with emotion. Pilgrims stood in silence, held rosaries, and recited prayers in honor of the late Pope.
Pope Francis’ death marked the end of a papacy shaped by resilience, reform, and compassion. As preparations begin for the days ahead, the world reflects on the legacy of a leader who spent his final months in service, despite the toll on his health.
Source: ondoho.com; unilad.com
