LIVE | Pope Francis died due to heart failure: Vatican
Pope Francis, elected the 266th pontiff on March 13, 2013, was the first Latin-American to head the Catholic Church
Pope Francis has passed away, the Vatican announced on Monday (April 21). He was 88 and battling health issues.
The Vatican said that the cause of Pope Francis' death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo. “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,″ Farrell said in the announcement.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“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 God, One and Tribune.″
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Read the updates below.
Live Updates
- 21 April 2025 3:19 PM GMT
Cerebral haemorrhage possible cause of Pope Francis's death: Report
According to Italian news agency ANSA, citing sources, "A cerebral haemorrhage is a possible cause of Pope Francis's death and not the respiratory issues stemming from his recent bout of life-threatening pneumonia."
- 21 April 2025 2:48 PM GMT
Recitation of the Holy Rosary
"His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will preside over the recitation of the Holy Rosary for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis this evening at 7:30 PM (Rome Time) (11 PM IST) in St. Peter's Square." - Vatican
