Pope Francis’ cause of death has been released by the Vatican.
The New York Times reported on Monday, April 21, that Francis’ cause of death was a cerebral stroke, followed by a coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
The Vatican announced earlier in the day that Francis, who served as the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, died at the age of 88 after receiving care for double pneumonia.
“Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta,” the Vatican shared via social media.
A statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell read, “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God,” Farrell concluded.
Hours before his death was announced, Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, April 20, to celebrate Easter.
Francis was first hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis. Following his admission to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, he began receiving care for double pneumonia.
Despite doctors sharing that he was doing better, Francis had a “sudden worsening” on February 28 after “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm.” (A bronchospasm occurs when muscles in the airways that connect the lungs to the windpipe tighten and narrow, limiting oxygen intake, according to the Cleveland Clinic.)
After news broke of the Pope’s death on Monday, several celebrities — and world leaders — have publicly mourned the loss of Francis.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry,” King Charles III said in a statement.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,” the statement continued.
Charles, 76, noted that he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were “greatly moved” to have been able to visit Francis earlier this month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ,” the statement concluded.