Pope Francis Death Live Updates: Vatican Says Heart Failure, Coma Due To Cerebral Stroke Is Cause Of Death
Pope Francis Death Live Updates: The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday.
Background
Pope Francis Death Live Updates: Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013. From the outset, he was seen as a reformer and a pastoral leader with a deep concern for the marginalised and the poor.
Despite recent health struggles, including a severe case of double pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active until the very end, with his final public appearance taking place just a day before his death on Easter Sunday.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially announced the passing of Pope Francis on Monday morning. Addressing the press from the Casa Santa Marta, he said the pontiff "returned to the house of the Father" at 7:35 AM local time.
Pope Francis, known for his deep compassion, progressive outreach, and tireless advocacy for peace and social justice, died after battling a prolonged illness. His final hours were marked by prayers, moments of silence, and visits from close aides and dignitaries.
The Apostolic See is now declared vacant, triggering the traditional Sede Vacante period as the Vatican begins preparations for the Conclave to elect the next pope.
More details on funeral arrangements and ceremonies are expected from the Vatican shortly.
Final Public Appearance Before His Passing
Pope Francis made his final public appearance less than 24 hours before his death, joining the faithful at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Wheeled onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the crowds with a wave and a brief message. The Pope was present for the traditional Urbi et Orbi Easter address, though an aide read the message aloud as he sat quietly and observed.
In what now stands as one of his final public appeals, Pope Francis had offered heartfelt prayers for the people of Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He condemned the “death and destruction” brought by the conflict and called the situation “deplorable.”
“I express my closeness to the sufferings… for all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” the Pope had said.
Pope Francis' Recent Hospitalisation And Health Decline
- February 14, 2025: Admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome after several days of bronchitis.
- February 18, 2025: Diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia as his condition progressively worsened.
- March 24, 2025: After 38 days in hospital care, he returned to the Casa Santa Marta to continue recovery, but never regained sufficient strength.
- In 1957, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, underwent lung surgery in Argentina to remove infected tissue. Throughout his papacy, he experienced recurrent respiratory illnesses, including cancelling a November 2023 UAE visit due to influenza complicated by lung inflammation.
Pope Francis Death Live Updates: Vatican says heart failure, coma induced by cerebral stroke cause of death
The Vatican says cause of Pope Francis' death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, reports AP
Pope Francis Death Live Updates: Trump 'not sure' if he'll go to Vatican City Pope Francis's burial
US President Donald Trump stated that he is not sure if he will go to Pope Francis's burial in Vatican City's St. Peter's Square. "I'm not sure yet," Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday morning, "We're going to get a briefing on it right now," CNN reported.
Trump responded, "Well, I don't know," when asked if he would like to attend the funeral. All I need to do is check the timing. The flags were just lowered. In observance of the pope's passing, Trump had earlier Monday ordered the flags flown at half-staff.
Trump also stated that he supports Pope Francis' message of tolerance toward migrants, despite the pope having chastised him for his immigration crackdown.
"Yes, I do," Trump affirmed. "I genuinely do."
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