Pope Francis died at the age of 88, following a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, according to an official medical statement released by the Vatican.
The Holy Father passed away peacefully in his apartment at Domus Sanctae Marthae at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025.
The announcement was made by U.S. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Pope’s residence.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Cardinal Farrell said, as church bells rang across Rome.
Here are five key facts about the medical circumstances and long-standing health conditions that led to the pontiff’s passing:
1. Official Cause of Death: Stroke and Cardiocirculatory Collapse
The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, confirmed that the Pope suffered a cerebral stroke, followed by a coma, and ultimately irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
His death was officially certified through electrocardiographic thanatography—a procedure confirming absence of heart activity.
2. A History of Serious Respiratory Illnesses
According to the Vatican’s medical report, Pope Francis had previously battled acute respiratory failure due to polymicrobial bilateral pneumonia—a condition that seriously compromised his lungs.
This had left him vulnerable to further complications in his later years, and required prolonged hospitalization in the past.
3. Chronic Underlying Conditions
The Pope’s health had been further complicated by multiple bronchiectases—a chronic lung condition that causes excessive mucus build-up—and arterial hypertension.
He also suffered from Type II diabetes, adding to the strain on his cardiovascular and immune systems.
4. Cerebral Stroke (Brain Stroke)
A stroke happens when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause brain cells to die within minutes.
There are two main types:
Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel in the brain (most common).
Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding in or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
In elderly individuals, strokes can be more severe and recovery more difficult. A large or untreated stroke can lead to loss of consciousness or a coma.
5. Coma
A coma is a prolonged state of unconsciousness. It’s not just deep sleep; a person in a coma:
Cannot be awakened,
Does not respond to stimuli,
Has no voluntary movements or awareness.
Comas can be caused by:
Severe stroke (as in Pope Francis’ case),
Trauma to the brain,
Lack of oxygen,
Infections,
Organ failure.
In the case of Pope Francis, the stroke likely led to widespread brain damage, which then caused a coma.
5. Irreversible Cardiovascular Collapse
This is a medical term for complete and unrecoverable failure of the heart and circulation. Essentially:
The heart is no longer pumping blood effectively,
Blood pressure falls to critical levels,
Vital organs (brain, kidneys, liver) no longer receive oxygenated blood.
Once this happens and is deemed irreversible, it is considered clinical death unless extraordinary measures (like CPR or life support) are successful — which, in frail patients, they often are not.
7. Pneumonia (and Polymicrobial Bilateral Pneumonia)
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be: bacterial, viral or fungal.
In bilateral pneumonia, both lungs are infected. If it’s polymicrobial, multiple types of organisms (bacteria and viruses together, for example) are causing the infection — making it harder to treat.
Pneumonia in the elderly or those with chronic illnesses (like diabetes or lung disease) is dangerous because:
It weakens breathing,
Can reduce oxygen levels in the blood,
Can spread infection through the body (sepsis).
Pope Francis had polymicrobial bilateral pneumonia, which had caused acute respiratory failure in the past — leaving his lungs weakened and more vulnerable.
Putting It All Together
In Pope Francis’ case, these conditions likely progressed in a tragic cascade:
Pre-existing illnesses (lung disease, pneumonia history, diabetes, hypertension) made him more vulnerable.
A stroke caused extensive brain injury.
This led to a coma.
Eventually, his heart and circulatory system collapsed, and his body could no longer sustain vital functions.
This kind of medical decline is sadly not uncommon in elderly individuals with complex health issues.
