Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Dr Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene for Vatican City, formally certified the cause of death. The Holy See Press Office released the official medical report on Monday evening.

The report detailed the Pope’s complex medical history, including acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, hypertension, and Type II diabetes. His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.

“I hereby declare,” wrote Dr Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgement, are as stated above.”

A video statement from the Vatican confirmed the Pontiff’s passing on Monday morning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, announced: “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.”

Pope Francis

Church bells rang out across Rome as news of his death spread.

Vatican News noted that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, in his residence at Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.

Elected in 2013, Pope Francis was the first pontiff from Latin America and became widely known for his humility, focus on social justice, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church.

In his later years, health issues increasingly forced him to scale back his public appearances, sometimes cancelling events at the last minute.

Despite ongoing health challenges, he remained active in his duties. Just weeks before his death, he delivered his Easter Urbi et Orbi message, calling for global peace, disarmament, and the release of prisoners.

“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others,” he said during the blessing.

Following the address, he toured St Peter’s Square in the popemobile — his first such appearance since being discharged from hospital in March.