Pope Francis died on Monday morning at the age of 88. Now, new details have emerged about his passing, including his possible cause of death.
Pope Francis Passes Away
Italian sources are reporting that Francis died of a “cerebral hemorrhage,” possibly a stroke. Sources have claimed that this was unrelated to the respiratory problems and pneumonia that the Pope was suffering from back in February.
Francis’ doctors told reporters that he “passed away peacefully” on Monday morning at his Saint Martha residence in the Vatican.
Francis reportedly woke up at 6am when his alarm went off as he normally would. He then allegedly became sick at around 7am, and he died from a stroke at around 7:30am.
Pope Francis’ Death Is Announced
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced Francis’ death at 9:45AM.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “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,” Farrell continued. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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.”
Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, told reporters hours later that the late Pope’s body will likely be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning. This will give the faithful the opportunity to pray before his mortal remains.
“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Bruni said.
Related: Whoopi Goldberg Offers Pope Francis A Role In ‘Sister Act 3’
Pope Francis’ Final Public Appearance
In what turned out to be his last act of devotion, Pope Francis greeted thousands of faithful in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Earlier in the day, Francis spoke briefly on the Vatican balcony.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” he told the crowd.
An aide proceeded to read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech.
Days before this final public appearance, Francis told reporters that he was “living it as best I can” despite various health issues. Indeed, he was hospitalized on February 14 after suffering from bronchitis. Days later, doctors diagnosed Francis with pneumonia. The Pope ultimately spent 38 days in the hospital before he was discharged last month. At the time, Francis’ doctors said that he would need at least two months to recover at his residence.
Pope Francis’ Funeral Plans
Francis had been the Pope for twelve years prior to his death. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, has revealed that Francis had asked that the funeral rites be simplified. He wanted them to focuse on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
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