Pope Francis dies at 88—Vatican confirms unexpected cause of death

Pope Francis has died at age 88, but the real cause of death wasn’t his long-term lung problems — it was a massive stroke, Vatican officials have confirmed.

Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church with compassion and courage for over a decade, passed away early Monday morning at his residence in Saint Martha’s House, Vatican City. He had battled several health issues in recent months, including pneumonia and bronchitis, but those weren’t what ultimately ended his life.

According to the Vatican, Francis woke up feeling unwell around 6 a.m. Within just 30 minutes, he fell into a coma caused by a massive cerebral stroke. He died shortly after, peacefully and at home.

Not what doctors expected

Over the last few months, Pope Francis had been in and out of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Many close to him believed his death would be related to his serious lung issues. In fact, just weeks earlier, his condition had become so bad that doctors feared the worst. Reports said he suffered from acute respiratory failure, kidney complications, and a tough, multi-bacterial infection.

Yet, the official cause of death, as confirmed by the Vatican, was a stroke that led to irreversible heart and circulation failure — a condition known medically as cardiocirculatory collapse.

A massive stroke like this usually happens when a large blood clot blocks a major artery in the brain. It’s often sudden and devastating, as it was in Pope Francis’ case.

His final appearance —  Easter message of hope

Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday. From a balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, he greeted tens of thousands with a smile and a message of peace.

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” he said, his voice weak but full of warmth. It would be his final moment in the public eye.

Not long before that, he also welcomed U.S. Vice President JD Vance to the Vatican. These brief appearances now carry even more meaning as the world reflects on his legacy.

Remembering a Pope who changed the world

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Latin American pope. From the very beginning, he brought a different style to the papacy — one rooted in humility, action, and care for the world’s most vulnerable people.

He refused the fancy papal apartment, lived simply, and spent time with the sick, the poor, and even prisoners. He washed feet, spoke out against injustice, and famously declared, “Who am I to judge?” — a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ acceptance within the Church.

Francis was also known for taking a strong stance against organized crime, especially the Italian mafia. He even excommunicated known mafia members and warned them of damnation.

“He made us want to be better people,” former U.S. President Barack Obama once said.

What comes next for the Catholic Church?

With Pope Francis now gone, the Vatican enters a solemn period of mourning and transition. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, starting Wednesday. He will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place he loved deeply.

Argentina has announced a week of national mourning in his honor.

In the meantime, American-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell has been appointed as the Vatican’s temporary administrator. The College of Cardinals will gather in the coming weeks to elect the next pope.

Pope Francis didn’t just lead — he inspired. He challenged long-standing traditions, opened doors for change, and reminded millions what it truly means to serve others.

Michelle Obama may have said it best: “He shook us out of our complacency.”

As the Church prepares for its next chapter, Pope Francis’ message — one of love, humility, and action — will continue to echo around the world.