Pope Francis' Final Hours & Cause of Death

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. According to the Vatican, his death was caused by a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. This followed a 38-day hospitalization earlier in the year due to double pneumonia. He also had several pre-existing health conditions, including acute respiratory failure, bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes. 

Despite his declining health, Pope Francis made a final surprise appearance through Cardinal Angelo Comastri during the Easter Mass at Saint Peter's Square and met with Vice President J.D. Vance just hours before his death . Serving as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years, his death prompted widespread mourning and tributes highlighting his lifelong dedication to the Gospel and service to the marginalized.

On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, he made a surprise appearance at St. Peter's Square, delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing. Addressing thousands of faithful, he called for peace in global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, and emphasized the importance of religious and personal freedoms. Despite his declining health, he greeted the crowd from the popemobile, receiving joyful acclaim.

Earlier that day, he met privately with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss religious freedom and humanitarian matters. In the days leading up to Easter, Pope Francis continued his Holy Week outreach, visiting inmates at Rome's Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday, expressing solidarity and support despite being too weak to perform the traditional foot-washing ceremony. On Palm Sunday, he greeted 20,000 attendees without the aid of supplemental oxygen, thanking them for their prayers during his illness

Francis' death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who stated that the pontiff passed away on the morning of Easter Monday.

"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gos

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

 

 

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