Cause of Pope Francis’ Death Officially Revealed by Vatican

By Andrew Haruna | Vatican City

The Vatican has officially certified the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, in his apartment at Domus Santa Marta.

According to a signed declaration from Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Department of the Vatican City State, the late Pope died from cerebral stroke, followed by coma and irreversible cardiac arrest.

Detailed Medical Certification from the Vatican

The Vatican document confirms that electrocardiographic recordings verified the Pontiff’s death, which was precipitated by a combination of chronic and acute conditions, including:

• A previous episode of acute respiratory failure linked to bilateral multimicrobial pneumonia

• Multiple bronchiectasis

• Arterial hypertension

• Type II diabetes

These pre-existing health complications significantly weakened the Pope’s already fragile condition in the weeks leading up to his demise.

“To the best of my knowledge and belief, the causes of death are those indicated above,” stated Prof. Arcangeli in the official death certificate issued on April 21, 2025.

Legacy of a Reformist Pontiff

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America, was widely known for his emphasis on mercy, inclusivity, and his relentless efforts toward church reform, climate advocacy, and interfaith dialogue. His papacy also highlighted the need for transparency, compassionate leadership, and renewed evangelization in the 21st century.

Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Funeral Rites and Vatican Procedures

The Vatican has yet to formally announce funeral arrangements, but preparations are expected to follow the updated edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, a revised papal funeral rite which the late Pope Francis himself approved in April 2024.

His final wishes reportedly included a simplified funeral ceremony that reflects his pastoral identity, focusing on faith in the Risen Christ rather than papal grandeur.