The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke, which resulted in a coma and subsequent heart failure.
Pope Francis, who was 88 years old, passed away, as announced by the Vatican in a statement released today, April 21.
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 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. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.
“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.”
Later, the Vatican News updated: “The cause of Pope Francis’ death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
This evening, the Holy See Press Office released a report by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State.
The report outlined the Pope’s medical history, including acute respiratory failure due to multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
It was concluded that his death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography as a ‘stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse’.
Dr. Arcangeli stated, “I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
Known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church delivered his final speech just over a day ago during Easter celebrations, addressing the crowd in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican with what was described as a ‘heartbreaking’ message.
In his address, he proclaimed, [Translation] “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter! Blessed be the almighty father and son and holy spirit.
“I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message.”
The master of ceremonies then delivered the complete Urbi et Orbi blessing.
The Pope’s final testament was also released, where he expressed his awareness of the ‘approaching twilight of [his] earthly life’.
He added, “And with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Pope Francis shared his wishes concerning his burial location, the design of his tomb, and how the funeral expenses should be managed.
He concluded, “May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”
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