The Vatican is sharing new details regarding Pope Francis’ death.
After the Catholic Church’s leader died on the morning of April 21, the Vatican has issued his cause of death, writing in a statement that the 88-year-old died just after 7:30 a.m. local time in Rome, due to a cerebral stroke.
In the statement—which was issued in Italian—Director of the Health and Hygiene Department of the Vatican City State Prof. Andrea Arcangeli said that the pope quickly went into a coma following the episode, which led to an “irreversible” cardiocirculatory collapse, or heart failure.
Francis’ cause of death was determined by an electrocardiogram recording, and was exacerbated by his preexisting conditions of type II diabetes, bronchiectasis and hypertension, as well as his recent episode of respiratory failure following pneumonia, which led to his 38-day stay in the hospital before he was released March 23.
The pope was praised as a “very cooperative” patient by his doctor Sergio Alfieri amid his recent hospitalization, who noted that the “whole world praying” contributed to Francis’ ability to temporarily recover.
Further detailing his precarious health situation, the doctor noted of Francis’ comeback, “I can say that twice the situation was lost, and then it happened like a miracle.”
In the weeks leading up to his death, Francis shared gratitude for the prayers he had received following his respiratory episode.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square,” he said in a statement March 6 amid his hospitalization. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
And Francis was able to make several more public appearances leading up to his death, including during Holy Week. Just one day before his death, the pontiff had celebrated Easter at St. Peter’s Basilica—where he led well-wishers in prayer from the church’s balcony—and was paid a visit by Vice President JD Vance.
Following news of the pope’s passing, Vance—who has been open about his conversion to Catholicism in 2019—shared a statement of condolences.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance said in a statement to X April 21. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
Keep reading for more of Pope Francis’ last appearances…
February 2025
In February, Pope Francis attended his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican.
February 2025
Later that month, the Pope delivered his homily during a Mass on the Jubilee of The Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel at St. Peter's Square.
March 2025
After he was hospitalized for more than five weeks, the Pope gave a greeting from the balcony of the Gemelli hospital before being discharged.
April 2025
Pope Francis greeted Cardinals at St. Peter's Square in a wheelchair at the end of Palm Sunday Mass on April 13.
April 2025
Just hours before his passing, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and delegation at Casa Santa Marta on Easter Sunday in Vatican City, Vatican.