What killed the Pope? - Here are the details
Leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88.
His death was confirmed by the Vatican early Monday morning, April 22, 2025. He passed away at his residence in Santa Marta, Vatican City.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from his residence:
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," the Vatican News Service wrote.
His death has brought sadness across the world, with millions remembering him as a humble and kind leader who stood for the poor, peace, and the environment.
Flags are flying at half-mast at the Vatican. Bells rang at St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the passing of a man many people loved, even outside the Catholic Church.
What caused his death?
The Vatican said Pope Francis died after suffering a major stroke. The stroke caused him to lose consciousness, which led to heart failure.
“The cause of Pope Francis' death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,” the Vatican said.
The report was released on Monday evening by the Holy See Press Office after the official certification was issued by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City.
“According to the medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes,” the Vatican added.
Pope Francis had been struggling with health problems for some time. Over the past few years, he had surgery on his lungs, one that cost him a portion of the organ that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.
On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from a “bout of bronchitis” for several days, the Vatican said. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18.
Even though he was not in perfect health, Pope Francis continued his work almost until the very end.
He kept meeting leaders, attending public events, and speaking to the world about kindness, peace, and protecting the Earth. Many people admired his strength and commitment even while he was sick.
A Pope who cared about the poor and the planet
Pope Francis was known for changing the way many people saw the Catholic Church. He wanted the Church to be closer to ordinary people and not just focus on rules and traditions.
He spoke a lot about helping the poor, protecting nature, and welcoming migrants. He often said the Church must be a home for everyone, including those who felt forgotten or left out.
He also warned world leaders about the dangers of climate change and called for more fairness in the economy.
Francis was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to lead the Church. He lived simply, choosing a small home instead of the grand papal palace. He used a simple car and often wore plain clothes. His message was always about humility, mercy, and love.
During his time as Pope, he visited places others had not, like South Sudan and Iraq, meeting people who were suffering from war and poverty. Many young people and people outside the Church respected him for his honest, caring style.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His parents were immigrants from Italy. As a young man, he loved soccer and dancing.
He also studied chemistry and even worked briefly as a nightclub bouncer.
In his early twenties, he decided to become a priest.
He joined the Jesuit order, which is known for helping the poor and focusing on education. He quickly became a leader in the Jesuits because of his simple way of living and strong faith.
He later became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned, Bergoglio was elected Pope. He chose the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, who was famous for his love of the poor and of nature.
What happens now?
With the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican is now preparing for his funeral. Church leaders have already started meeting to plan the funeral ceremonies, which will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
The Catholic Church will also begin the process of choosing a new Pope. This process is called a conclave. During the conclave, all the cardinals of the Church will meet in the Sistine Chapel. They will pray and vote in secret until they agree on a new leader.
Until a new Pope is elected, the Church will be led by the Camerlengo, a Vatican official who looks after the Church’s daily affairs during this period.
