The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died early Monday morning due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure. The details were released in a death certificate signed by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, shedding new light on the pontiff’s final moments. According to the document, Pope Francis fell into a coma before his passing.
This revelation follows the shocking announcement of the pope’s death, which came just hours after he was seen publicly celebrating Easter Sunday, waving from his open popemobile to a cheering crowd at St. Peter’s Square. The sudden turn of events has left many stunned.
“He appeared in public yesterday, looked healthy. I was so shocked, and sad of course,” said Father Bachai, a retired American priest who had traveled to Rome for Holy Week.
Pope Francis, 88, had faced significant health struggles in recent months. In mid-February, he was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis that quickly escalated into double pneumonia. The condition was especially dangerous due to his long-standing respiratory vulnerabilities — including partial lung removal from pleurisy in his youth.
The portrait of Pope Francis is displayed at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the largest Catholic cathedral in England, following the announcement of his death, in Liverpool Britain April 21, 2025. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja
During his 38-day hospital stay, the Vatican issued unusually detailed updates. His medical team reported four serious “respiratory crises” involving severe coughing fits and restricted breathing similar to asthma attacks. In March, doctors disclosed that he came close to death and that ending treatment had been considered to allow him to pass peacefully.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis made a determined return to public life during Holy Week, culminating in what would be his final appearance on Easter — a gesture that now seems both courageous and poignant. “I think he made a great effort to make it to Easter, which is the great festival for Christians,” said Jorgelina Ventura, a lawyer in Buenos Aires.
A World in Mourning
As news of the official cause of death spread, tributes poured in from across the globe. The 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church is united in grief, remembering a pope who championed inclusion, justice, and compassion.
Faithful embrace after a rosary for Pope Francis, following the death of the pontiff, in St. Peter’s square, at the Vatican, April 21, 2025. REUTERS/Susana Vera
In Buenos Aires, his birthplace, dozens gathered at the city’s cathedral to mourn. “It hurts me like crazy… because I agreed – more than anything – with his words in support of bisexuals and homosexuals,” said local resident Nicolas Cordoba told Reuters.
In the conflict-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, worshippers also grieved. “The pope really cared about our country, Congo, with the repeated wars we are going through,” said Faida Nabintu, speaking from a church in Bukavu.
Even in the heart of the Vatican, pilgrims and tourists were visibly emotional. Many had gathered in anticipation of a joyous Easter week — instead, they now find themselves honoring the memory of a pope who devoted his final years to serving others, even in the face of profound personal suffering.
Source: Tovima.com
VIA: https://www.ot.gr
