The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff died from a stroke and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, following a period of declining health.
Pope Francis died of a stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain hemorrhage, which led to coma and irreversible cardiorespiratory failure, according to his death certificate released on Monday by the Vatican.
“I certify that His Holiness Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on December 17, 1936, residing in Vatican City, Vatican citizen, passed away at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, in his apartment at the Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican City) due to: a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse,” reads the document signed by the director of the Vatican’s Department of Health and Hygiene, Professor Andrea Arcangeli. “I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the causes of death are as indicated above,” it adds.
The final days of the Argentine Jesuit were marked by a progressive decline in his health, which included two episodes of acute respiratory failure in recent hours, according to an official Vatican statement.
Francis had been hospitalized for 38 days at the Gemelli Hospital, where he came close to death due to pneumonia.
According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Pope woke up today at six in the morning in relatively stable condition. However, at seven he experienced a severe episode of distress. Half an hour later, at 7:35, his death was confirmed.
His body had already been weakened by repeated respiratory infections, which had led to recent hospitalizations at the Gemelli Polyclinic. The three previous crises had already cast doubt on his recovery, and there was consideration of moving him permanently back to the Santa Marta residence to spend his final days in the Vatican. Doctors had prescribed strict rest, assisted ventilation, and even isolation—recommendations the Pope reportedly refused to follow.
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