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...More
The Vatican says cause of Pope Francis' death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, reports AP
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."
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Francis leaves behind “a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.”
Guterres said the United Nations was greatly inspired by his message during a visit to U.N. headquarters in 2015, supporting the organisation’s ideal of “a united human family.”
As a "mark of respect for the memory," US President Donald Trump commanded that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis.
According to Trump's proclamation, the order is in effect until sunset on the day of interment for "all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions", CNN reported.
Additionally, he listed "all military facilities and naval vessels and stations, as well as United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad."
The American flag above the White House was flying at half-staff Monday morning on the White House South Lawn, where the Easter Egg Roll was in progress.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the president of Algeria, described Francis as an "immense personality" who "wrote his name in golden letters in modern history."
Although the Catholic Church is officially recognised in Algeria, a country with a majority of Muslims, Christians have been increasingly targeted for evangelising. During their 2022 visit on Francis's behalf, Tebboune met Vatican officials and toured the monastery where a group of Trappist monks were martyred during the civil war in the country.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton quoted from Pope Francis’ last public address in a social media post remembering the late pontiff.
“In Pope Francis’s last public address, he preached care of the marginalized, the vulnerable, and migrants, saying ‘I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves.’ May we heed his wish,” Clinton said on X.
A special Mass was held at St. Xavier's Cathedral in Palayamkottai in memory of the late Pope Francis, who passed away after a period of illness. A portrait of late Pope Francis was placed at the cathedral as people gathered to pay their final respects to the head of the Catholic Church, news agency IANS reported.
Former President Barack Obama remembered Pope Francis on Monday as “the rare leader who made us want to be better people.” “In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another,” Obama wrote in a statement along with his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama.
Padma awardee Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik creates a sculpture at a beach in Puri to pay tribute to Pope Francis. "Today was a huge loss for the world. Everyone is paying tribute to Pope Francis. As an artist, I have created this sculpture as an artist that has been created using 8 tonnes of sand and is 8 feet high," he told ANI.
President Trump is not scheduled to travel "at this time" to attend Pope Francis' burial, which may take place later this week, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, CNN reported. She did not, however, rule out attending the funeral in Rome. She stated, "It doesn't mean it's not happening."
Recall that US President George W. Bush was there at the funeral for John Paul II, the last pope to pass away while still in office.
Leavitt told reporters at the White House, "We're praying for the millions of Christians who loved and admired the Pope around the world."
Brazil President Lula has declared seven days of national mourning in Brazil to honour the Pope’s memory and legacy, IANS reported.
Cardinal Anthony Poola will depart from Hyderabad to attend the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican and take part in the election of the next Pontiff, the Archdiocese of Hyderabad said in a press note.
Expressing profound grief over the Pope’s passing, Cardinal Poola described him as “a shepherd of Christ’s heart, who led with compassion, courage, and profound love for humanity.” The Archdiocese announced that special Holy Masses and prayer services would be held in honour of Pope Francis’s life and legacy.
“We join with the world in gratitude for his life and in prayer that God may grant him eternal rest,” the Archdiocese said.
The statement also highlighted Pope Francis’s warm relationship with the Church in India, noting his appreciation for the country’s cultural diversity and interreligious harmony. “Pope Francis shared a warm relationship with the Church in India and repeatedly expressed admiration for the country’s cultural richness, religious harmony, and Christian witness. He was known for his prayers and concern for the Indian faithful, especially during times of social and health crises,” it read.
The note further recalled that during his papacy, Pope Francis appointed several Indian archbishops and cardinals, including His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola. The Archbishop of Hyderabad became the first Telugu Cardinal in August 2022, marking what the Archdiocese described as “a historic moment of inclusion and representation in the Catholic Church.”
The UK authorities ordered that government buildings fly flags at half-staff until Tuesday evening in view of the pope’s death, AP reported.
"Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!" US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Ex-US president Biden says Pope "unlike any who came before him", among "most consequential leaders of our time".
"It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love," he posted on X.
On Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened to the news of Pope Francis' passing. We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff's soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace: US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio
Congress leader P Chidambaram told PTI, "Pope Francis was a man of compassion, humanity and peace. Throughout his papacy, he spoke for the weak, downtrodden and poor people. He always spoke for peace that is why all people belonging to all faith had great love for him... It is sad and distressing that he passed away today after a brief illness. May his soul rest in peace."
Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Cardinal Baselois Cleemis Thottunkal, on Monday, expressed his condolences over the demise of Pope Francis, remembering him as a leader with deep affection for India and a champion of the marginalised.
Speaking to ANI, Cardinal Cleemis, who also serves as the President of the Synod of the Syro-Malankara Church, said, “Let me express our heartfelt condolences and prayer for solidarity as Pope Francis has passed away.”
Describing the pontiff as a global spiritual figure, he said, “As the leader of the Church and entire humanity, especially a champion of the people who are at the periphery, he stood firm in re-reading the gospel, trying to find our Jesus and his approaches towards human beings, focusing on those marginalised.”
The Cardinal fondly recalled a personal interaction with Pope Francis following his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister. “I personally recall with gratitude that after his meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Pope Francis told me that your country is a great country. Such an affection he had in his mind for India,” he said.
Reflecting on the Pope’s leadership, Cardinal Cleemis noted, “Pope Francis became a leader for those outside the mainstream — an embodiment of exemplary dedication. I have had the opportunity to know him personally since 2013. He held deep respect for Indian culture and led with a unique and inspiring approach. He worked as a symbol of unity in society.”
“Conversations with him were always heartfelt. His spirituality cannot be measured by any ordinary standard. He was a spiritual soul of differences — someone who embraced diversity with compassion and wisdom,” the Cardinal added.
He further noted, “He is a man who is with the people. The last ceremony he participated in was a celebration of faith with the people on Easter.”
Spain will observe three days of mourning to honour Pope Francis after the Argentine pontiff's death on Monday at age 88, Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said in a televised address, AFP reported.
At 8 p.m. (11:30 PM IST) on Monday, the pope's body will be placed in the casket as part of the first official liturgical rite for Francis, AP reported.
The announcement from liturgical ceremony master Archbishop Diego Ravelli was made public by the Vatican. The camerlengo who has assumed control of the Holy See's administration, Cardinal Joseph Farrell, is the presiding prelate and will hold this position until a new pope is chosen.
The dean of the College of Cardinals, any family members of the pope, and the director and deputy director of the Vatican's health department are all invited to the service, which will be held in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis resided.
On the passing away of Pope Francis, Former Archbishop of Bombay, Cardinal Oswald Gracias told ANI, "Pope Francis was a person who spent his life for the sake of the people. His messages were continuously for the world were for peace, compassion for the poor and this same orientation he wanted in the Chruch. He spoke so strongly on migration and the rights of migrants. Even in his personal dealings with world leaders, he insisted on this...He was a man of prayer, dedication and a man of the people...Tomorrow, the cardinals in Rome will meet. I will also leave for Rome in two days. The first thing that they will decide on is when to hold the funeral rites..."
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condoled the death of Pope Francis, recalling his efforts for significant reforms in the Church.History's first Latin American pontiff, who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, Pope Francis died at the age of 88.It is with deep sadness that we receive the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Sarma said in a post on X.His pontificate was defined by tireless efforts for peace, a strong voice for the vulnerable & significant reforms in the Church. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and dedication to work till his last breath, he said.Sarma extended heartfelt condolences to members of the Catholic community. (PTI)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remembers Pope Francis as a courageous leader who reached out to people of all beliefs around the world. He says Francis’s leadership in a “complex and challenging time” stemmed from the pontiff’s deep humility.
“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten,’’ Starmer says in a statement. “He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.’’
Francis's passing was commemorated by the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolling shortly after noon Rome time. In the square, tourists paused to capture the sight on their phones, news agency AP reported.
In order for Vatican officials to pay their final respects, the pope's body is anticipated to be moved during the day to the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta guesthouse, where he resided. This is one of the first rites the Vatican is planning in the wake of Francis' passing.
After examining the body and determining the cause of death, the head of the Vatican health service prepares a report that is due late Monday.
The camerlengo, a Vatican official who oversees the administration of the Holy See between the resignation or death of one pope and the election of a new one, preside over the ceremonial pronouncement of death, where the body is placed in the pope's private chapel.
For the public, the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, is expected to lead a recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square later today.
TMC's Derek O'Brien says Pope Francis would always "speak up". Shares his quote: "The Church while respecting the autonomy of political life, does not restrict her mission to the private sphere. The Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines".
On the passing away of Pope Francis, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Pope Francis was a deep believer and a traditionalist with a difference! He was pro-reform and a passionate advocate of interfaith dialogue. His concern for the environment and efforts against human trafficking are noteworthy. His call for greater understanding will continue to inspire his followers. He had also sent his emissary with a warm message for the Art of Living at the World Culture Festival held in Delhi and Washington, D.C."
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Pope Francis. “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be resurrected unceasingly beyond him,” Macron said in a statement.
The White House posted an initial memorial message for the late Pope Francis, writing on X “Rest in Peace” alongside photos of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance meeting the Pontiff.
Trump met Francis at the Vatican in 2017, while Vance met Francis briefly on Sunday, just one day before his death.
King Charles issued this statement after Pope Francis passed away: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry. His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world."
"Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ," he added.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. He was a beacon of compassion who stood with the poor and marginalised, took a critical stance against global capitalism, and championed interfaith dialogue. His legacy will inspire generations striving for justice and equality," Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan posted on X.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, currently on an official visit to India, shared a personal tribute to Pope Francis following news of his passing. Vance had met the Pope just a day before his death, during a visit to the Vatican.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance said in a post on social media.
He added, “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
American Vice-President Vance arrived in Rome on Friday, where he met with Vatican officials and held a brief private meeting with Pope Francis on Saturday before departing for India.
World leaders paid heartfelt tributes to Pope Francis following the announcement of his passing, remembering him as a symbol of humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez shared his condolences in a statement, saying: “I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof honoured the Pope's moral clarity: “The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them. With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many – Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”
In a message, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Pope Francis as a voice for the vulnerable. He said: “Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis had always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and he did this with a lot of humility. In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate... My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
"This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great shepherd has left us," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on X.
"I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering," Italy's Meloni said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Pope Francis, remembering him as a global symbol of compassion and spiritual strength. Sharing a series of photographs from his previous meetings with the Pope, PM Modi posted a heartfelt tribute on social media.
“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” the Prime Minister wrote.
He went on to highlight the Pope’s lifelong dedication to the values of Christ. “From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
Reflecting on their past interactions, PM Modi added, “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi admired the Pope's commitment to serving people and had also extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India at an early date, when he met the Catholic Church leader at the G7 Summit's Outreach Session in Borgo Egnazia, last year.
"Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India," the Prime Minister had posted on X (formerly twitter) after meeting the Pope.
In October 2021, the Pope received PM Modi during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, which was also the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in more than two decades.
In June 2000, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope, John Paul II.
India and the Holy See have friendly relations dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. India is also home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia.
In what became his final public appearance, Pope Francis offered a powerful Easter message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, just one day before his passing.
Appearing in a wheelchair, the Pontiff greeted thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square, waving and simply saying: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
His Easter blessing, read aloud by a clergy member, emphasised fundamental human rights: “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others... What a great thirst for death, for killing, we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”
Pope Francis passed away early Monday morning at the age of 88, leaving behind a final message that has since reverberated around the world: “Peace is possible.”
The tweet, shared just hours before his death, now stands as a poignant symbol of the values that defined his papacy. The tweet message has since been widely shared, embraced by world leaders, religious communities, and millions of mourners as a fitting farewell from a Pope who never stopped advocating for the vulnerable and the voiceless.
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. His death comes just one day after a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, marking his final moment of connection with the faithful.
Despite recently recovering from a severe bout of double pneumonia, the Pope appeared before a crowd of over 35,000 in St. Peter’s Square, greeting them from his popemobile in what is now remembered as a powerful farewell gesture.
On the same day, Pope Francis also held a brief private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, further underscoring his enduring commitment to global diplomacy and dialogue—even in his final hours.