The Vatican has released the official cause of death for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The medical report cited a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse as the primary causes. The Pope had a history of health issues, including respiratory failure, bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes, which contributed to his death. The announcement was made public through the release of the death certificate, providing details of the Pope's final moments.
9 days ago
The Vatican officially announced that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, in his Vatican apartment 1 3 4. The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, certified the cause of death as a stroke, followed by a coma, and ultimately, irreversible cardiovascular collapse 1 3 4 5 6. Electrocardiographic thanatography confirmed the death 1 3 6.
In addition to the immediate causes of death, the Vatican's medical report noted several pre-existing health conditions that contributed to Pope Francis's passing 1 3 4 5 6. These included a previous episode of acute respiratory failure due to polymicrobial bilateral pneumonia 1 3 6. He also suffered from multiple bronchiectases, arterial hypertension (high blood pressure), and type II diabetes 1 3 4 5 6.
Following the Pope's death, Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, the chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the rite of ascertainment of death and deposition in the coffin 3 4. This ceremony, held in the chapel of Pope Francis’s Vatican residence, included special prayers and the placement of his body in a coffin 3 4. The College of Cardinals convened on April 22 to plan the papal funeral and address governance during the sede vacante, the period without a Pope 3 4. The funeral and burial were scheduled to take place between April 25 and 27 3.
Pope Francis's personal testament, dated June 29, 2022, was released, revealing his wishes for a simple burial in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major 5. He requested to be buried in the ground, without ornamentation, with only the inscription "Franciscus" 5. In his testament, Pope Francis expressed his devotion to the Virgin Mary and offered his suffering for peace in the world and fraternity among peoples 5.
The Catholic Church views death as the end of earthly life, but not the end of existence . It is a transition, a "passing over to new life, from earth to the heavens" . Death is the end of our earthly pilgrimage, a time of grace and mercy from God, where we decide our ultimate destiny .
The Christian vision of death is expressed in the liturgy of the Church, which states that life is changed, not ended, for the faithful . When our earthly body dies, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven . The day of death marks the fulfillment of our new birth begun at Baptism and our participation in the Kingdom of God .
Death entered the world because of sin . However, Jesus transformed the curse of death into a blessing through his obedience to the Father's will . For believers, death is illumined by the "hope of immortality" .
Each person will be rewarded immediately after death based on their works and faith . The Church teaches that after death, there is no reincarnation .
The Church insists that the bodies of the deceased should be buried in cemeteries or other sacred places, following ancient Christian tradition . Burial is the most fitting way to express faith and hope in the resurrection of the body . The Church confirms her belief in the resurrection of the body by burying the bodies of the faithful .
Christians respect and honor the bodies of the dead because, in baptism, the body was marked with the seal of the Trinity and became the temple of the Holy Spirit . The Church considers burial of the dead one of the corporal works of mercy .
Cremation is permitted, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine . However, the Church prefers burial because it shows greater esteem towards the deceased . If cremation is chosen for legitimate motives, the ashes must be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery or church . The ashes should not be kept at home, divided among family members, scattered, or carried around in jewelry .
The Church encourages family members and the Christian community to pray for and remember the dead . Visiting cemeteries to pray for the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy . Reserving the ashes in a sacred place ensures that the deceased will not be deprived of the prayers and remembrance of their families and the Christian community .
The news article aligns with Catholic teachings on death, dying, and burial. Pope Francis's request for a simple burial in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, without ornamentation, reflects the Christian value of humility and the focus on spiritual rather than material wealth . His devotion to the Virgin Mary and offering his suffering for peace align with Catholic teachings on the communion of saints and the importance of prayer and sacrifice . The Vatican's procedures following his death, including the rite of ascertainment of death and the convening of the College of Cardinals, are in accordance with established Catholic traditions . The announcement of his cause of death and contributing health factors provides transparency and allows for prayers for his soul .