Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 due to a stroke and cardiac arrest, according to the Vatican. His death was unexpected, given his recent appearance at St. Peter’s Square during Easter celebrations, despite having suffered from double pneumonia earlier this year.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Pope Francis’s death, noting that he returned to “the house of the Father” early in the morning. The death certificate, released by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, confirmed that the pope had been in a coma before his passing, and had also battled high blood pressure and diabetes.
Arrangements are being made for Pope Francis’s body to be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to allow the public to pay their respects. The funeral is anticipated to take place between Friday and Sunday, after a meeting of cardinals to finalize the schedule.
Global tributes have poured in, highlighting Francis’s humility and his efforts to reform the Church. Argentina and Brazil have declared seven days of mourning. Jorge Garcia Cuerva, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, remembered Francis as “the pope of the poor” and “the pope of the marginalized.”
Despite being advised to rest following his hospital discharge, Francis had continued to engage in public activities, meeting with dignitaries such as Britain’s King Charles and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. His recent Easter message called for a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting his long-standing advocacy for peace.
The news of his death has resonated deeply with many, as locals and visitors at the Vatican expressed their sorrow. World leaders have offered condolences and praised his contributions to the Church and his global influence. In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis requested in his final testament to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major instead of St. Peter’s Basilica.