The Vatican confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away due to a stroke that led to a coma and eventually resulted in an “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.” The College of Cardinals is set to gather at the Vatican in the coming weeks to elect his successor. The announcement of the new pope will be signaled by white smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department, disclosed the cause of the Pope’s death. He also mentioned that Pope Francis was battling pneumonia in both lungs, which led to episodes of respiratory insufficiency. The Pope also had type-2 diabetes and hypertension.
The Pope’s health had been a concern for more than two months, with him being frequently admitted to hospitals in Rome. He was battling severe respiratory infections and at times required high flows of supplemental oxygen. During his initial 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, he also required at least one emergency blood transfusion. His first hospitalization was on February 14 due to bronchitis.
The Vatican’s announcement of Pope Francis’ death has led to an outpouring of grief from the faithful. Many gathered for a rosary prayer for the late Pope in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Monday, April 21, 2025.
The process of electing a new Pope will now commence. The College of Cardinals, the body responsible for this task, will convene at the Vatican in the coming weeks. The election of a new Pope is a significant event in the Catholic Church and is marked by the release of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of an era in the Catholic Church. His successor will have the task of leading the Church in a time of global challenges and changes. The world now waits for the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new Pope.