Pope Francis Died of a Stroke and Irreversible Heart Failure, according to the Vatican

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Easter Monday following complications from double pneumonia, a stroke, and irreversible heart failure. The Vatican confirmed his death and released the official death certificate, which noted that the pontiff had slipped into a coma before his passing in the early hours of April 21, 2025.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope and was globally recognized for his humility, progressive reforms, and tireless advocacy for marginalized communities. He consistently emphasized the need for compassion toward immigrants, social justice, and a more inclusive Catholic Church, often clashing with world leaders and conservative factions over these positions.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who oversees papal affairs, announced the death from Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where Pope Francis chose to live rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace, in keeping with his modest lifestyle. A funeral date has not yet been confirmed but is expected to take place between Friday and Sunday.

Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released Monday. The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early that day. The Vatican also said Francis had relayed in a final statement his wishes to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

In his final statement before his death, Pope Francis requested to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, diverging from the traditional burial of pontiffs in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects his long-standing devotion to the Virgin Mary and his commitment to a simple, grounded spiritual life.

Just a day before his death, a visibly weakened Francis made his last public appearance during Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Sitting in a raised chair aboard the popemobile, he greeted thousands of worshippers with a warm smile, stopping several times to wave and bless the crowd as they shouted, “Viva il papa.”

Cardinal Farrell honored the late pontiff’s legacy in a heartfelt statement:

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of 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 One and Triune God.”