Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday. Following several health challenges in recent years, including a serious bout of double pneumonia earlier this year, the Catholic leader reportedly died at around 0100 UTC on April 21.
The Pontiff died of a cerebral stroke on Monday afternoon. Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department, said that the stroke put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure. He added that Francis also suffered from episodes of "respiratory insufficiency," as well as his recent bilateral pneumonia. The pope also suffered from type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Despite his health issues, Pope Francis continued to participate in church activities, including a surprise visit to Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday and an appearance at St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday.
Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell was seen sealing the door to the papal bedroom and studio at the Vatican shortly after the announcement of the pontiff's death. It is traditional to seal the pope's doors after his death, which will be followed by a nine-day mourning period called Novemdiales.
Pope Francis had been seen in public greeting crowds on Easter Sunday and met with United States Vice President JD Vance.
"I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him," Vance wrote on X. "I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul."
UK Prime minister wrote on X: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church."
President Donald Trump odered that the flag be flown at half-staff on all U.S. government and military buildings around the world.
He wrote on Truth Social, "As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."
The deceased Catholic leader's funeral is expected to be held within the next week, and the conclave to elect a new pope will convene shortly after.
