The Vatican on Monday, April 21 revealed that Pope Francis died of a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official certification, and the Holy See Press Office released the report on the evening of Monday.
The report followed the death of Pope Francis who passed on Easter Monday aged 88 after a prolonged illness battling double pneumonia.
"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," Vatican News said in a tweet.
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, the Pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21.
According to the medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.
As per Vatican News, the Pope’s death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography. “I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
When the Pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period of Sede Vacante or vacant seat, and during this time, the papal office is officially unoccupied. Even so, the process of selecting a new Pope, known as the papal conclave, is set to begin 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s passing.
Despite the pontiff’s seat being vacant, a Camerlengo, or chamberlain, oversees and administers the Vatican's activities during this period.
The current holder of this position is an American cardinal known as Kevin Farrell, a Dublin-born cleric who became a naturalised American citizen after spending many years ministering in the U.S.
Aside from officially ascertaining the Pope’s death, Farrell’s job also encompasses sealing the Pope’s bedroom and study and making funeral preparations. He is also tasked with making practical arrangements for the conclave to ensure the confidentiality of proceedings and orderly voting.
However, despite being the acting head of the Vatican, the Camerlengo’s powers are limited to the day-to-day administration of the Vatican, and he receives assistance from three other cardinals in carrying out his duties. When serious matters arise, he must consult with the wider body of cardinals.
