Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiac and circulatory failure, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.
According to a medical report issued by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Head of the Health and Hygiene Department of the Vatican City State, the Pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
Dr. Arcangeli explained that the Pope experienced a severe stroke, which was followed by a coma. The final cause of death was confirmed using a method known as electrocardiographic thanatography, a diagnostic tool used to record post-mortem heart activity.
“In my professional judgment and based on the results of the examination, the cause of death was a cerebrovascular accident (stroke), followed by cardiac and circulatory arrest,” said Dr. Arcangeli in the official statement released Monday evening.
Medical reports also revealed that Pope Francis had long been battling several health issues, including chronic respiratory illness, hypertension, and Type II diabetes.
His passing was publicly announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, who said in a statement: “With deep sorrow, we announce that the Holy Father has returned to the house of the Father.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope. His papacy was marked by a strong emphasis on humility, social justice, and outreach to the poor and marginalized, as well as a commitment to reform within the Catholic Church.
Details about funeral arrangements and the process for selecting his successor are expected to be released in the coming days.
