Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, due to a cerebral stroke that caused a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory failure, the Vatican officially confirmed in his death certificate. The death occurred at 7:35 a.m. (local time) at his residence in Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.
The diagnosis was certified by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, director of the Vatican’s Department of Health and Hygiene, during the rite of ascertainment of death, celebrated that same afternoon in the chapel of the papal residence.
What is the finding?
The official cause of his death was not disclosed until after the traditional rite of constatation, which was scheduled for 20:00 hours (local time), or 18:00 GMT, in the private chapel of his residence.
This procedure, of a liturgical and medical nature, consists of officially certifying the death of the pontiff.
In accordance with Francis himself, this rite was not held in the Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, as was tradition, but in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the place where he has lived since he was elected pope in 2013, breaking with the custom of residing in the papal apartments.
The pope’s health in his last months
Francis had been facing severe respiratory problems, aggravated by a bilateral pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for 38 days in Rome.
On February 14, he was hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome due to a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which developed into bilateral pneumonia.
He was discharged on March 23, just before the beginning of Holy Week, and returned to Casa Santa Marta, where he continued his convalescence under medical supervision.
Despite his delicate condition, the pontiff participated briefly in the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday, in which he was seen in a wheelchair, but with gestures of lucidity and closeness.
This public appearance would finally be his farewell.
Transfer of the body and public wake
The Vatican has indicated that the transfer of the pope’s body to St. Peter’s Basilica could take place this Wednesday, April 23.
Although the confirmation of the date and modality will depend on what the cardinals decide in the first General Congregation, scheduled for this Tuesday morning.
During these congregations, the cardinals will define not only the details of the funeral, but also the calendar for the next conclave, in which the new pontiff will be elected.
Funeral details: arrangements of Pope Francis
Buzzy
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Following his will, the body will be exposed in a single wooden coffin with zinc interior, eliminating the tradition of three coffins.
In addition, the papal crosier will not be placed next to the coffin during the exposition, and the body will be presented directly in the open casket, without the use of a catafalque.
When will the conclave be held?
The conclave to elect his successor will be held in May, according to the norms established by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
This event will bring together cardinal electors under the age of 80 in the Sistine Chapel, where, in strict isolation, they will deliberate and vote until a two-thirds majority is reached to elect the new pontiff.
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a 12-year pontificate characterized by his reformist approach and commitment to the most disadvantaged.
His legacy will live on in the history of the Catholic Church and in the memory of millions of faithful around the world.
The Pope left specific instructions on how he wished to be laid to rest and buried
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