ON Monday morning, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had died, aged 88, and now his cause of death has been released.
The cause of Pope Francis’ death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has said.
Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the Pope's death this morning, saying: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
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
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“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 One and Triune God,” Sky News reports.
Pope Francis suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.
The Pope hadn't been well in recent weeks.
He had been suffering from ill health in recent years and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
He spent 38 days there which was the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis' last public appearance came on Easter Sunday, just a day before his death.
He emerged to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City which drew wild cheers and applause.
Pope Francis dies aged 88
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants.
Following the death of Pope Francis, many paid tribute and shared messages of condolence, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles and Queen Camilla.
King Charles said he and Camilla were "most deeply saddened" to hear of the Pope's death.
