Pope Francis died from a stroke and irreversible heart failure at age 88
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a cerebral stroke followed by irreversible heart failure. The official death certificate, signed by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, noted that the pontiff fell into a coma prior to his passing. People.com+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+3Yahoo+1Al Jazeera+1Vatican News+3Reuters+3Reuters+3
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church since his election in 2013. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his progressive stances, including support for same-sex civil unions and efforts to address climate change. People.com+1Wikipedia+1
In the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized for double pneumonia and a respiratory tract infection, which required a 38-day stay at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Despite his health challenges, he continued to fulfill his papal duties upon returning to the Vatican. People.com+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis had expressed a wish for a simple burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, rather than the traditional interment beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. His tomb is to be marked solely with the inscription “Franciscus.” The Independent+1euronews+1euronews
Following his death, the period known as “sede vacante” commenced, during which the College of Cardinals will convene to elect a new pope. According to Church law, the conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025, unless all cardinal electors arrive in Rome sooner. Wikipedia
Pope Francis’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world, reflecting on his contributions to the Church and his efforts to modernize its approach to global issues. His legacy includes a commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and compassion for the underprivileged.
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Pope Francis dies at 88 from stroke and heart failure, Vatican says
Pope Francis’ cause of death was stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican says
