Pope Francis’ Death Not Attributed to Pneumonia – Official Cause Revealed

The Vatican has released the official report on Pope Francis’ passing, confirming the cause of death as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and what was described as “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”

Following the news of the Pope’s death, St. Peter’s Square filled with emotion. Pilgrims stood in silence, held rosaries, and recited prayers in honor of the late Pope.

One mourner wrapped themselves in an Argentine flag — a tribute to Pope Francis’ roots. Others looked up at the now-empty balcony, where he had blessed the crowd just the day before. “I am sad,” said Brigitte Thalhammer, one of many reflecting on the weight of the moment. “He was very, very important.”

After the rosary concluded, spontaneous applause rippled through the square — a final gesture of gratitude for the 88-year-old pontiff who had shaped a decade of the Catholic Church’s history.

Pope Francis’ death came after months of health complications that had raised global concern. He had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for treatment of pneumonia in both lungs.

According to medical reports at the time, he alternated between high-flow oxygen during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night.

Despite his condition, he continued spiritual duties from his hospital room, following the Roman Curia’s Spiritual Exercises via video and even celebrating the 12th anniversary of his election with a cake brought in by his medical team.

The Vatican described his status as clinically stable within a complex framework. By late March, after two weeks of noted progress, doctors said Francis would be discharged following a 38-day stay that had twice placed his life at risk.

Though he would require two months of rest and was discouraged from large meetings, his personal physicians were optimistic that he could fully resume activities in time. His release was officially confirmed for March 23. That day, he returned to the Vatican to convalesce at Casa Santa Marta.

Then, on Easter Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis appeared before the public one final time. He blessed thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after delegating the day’s Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri.

Hours later, the world would learn the moment was his farewell. On the morning of April 21, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis had passed away at 7:35 a.m. in his residence.

At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the news from Casa Santa Marta, expressing sorrow and gratitude. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 so the faithful may pay their respects. That plan was expected to be finalized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals on Tuesday morning.

At 8 p.m. on Monday evening, a formal rite was held to certify the Pope’s death and place his body in a coffin in the chapel of his residence. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell and lasted just under an hour.

Seals were also placed on the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived. Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, later confirmed that Pope Francis’ close collaborators had begun paying their respects. He also noted that funeral arrangements were still pending.

“Oh my God he is now resting,” one netizen commented. Another shared, “Rest in Peace, as you well deserve 🙏,” while a third typed, “Rip Pope 🙏 you will be missed.”

As we previously reported, just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance that now stands as a poignant final moment in public view.

On Easter Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff — still recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia — blessed thousands who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the holiday Mass.

Although he delegated the main Easter service to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope made a striking entrance afterward. Emerging onto the central balcony above the basilica’s entrance, he greeted the faithful with a simple yet spirited message.

His voice, noticeably stronger than it had been in recent weeks, sparked waves of cheers from the crowd, many of whom chanted “Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!” in a show of affection.

Images from the day showed the pope in a wheelchair, assisted by aides. He was also captured being pushed onto the Basilica balcony, offering a gentle wave to the cheering crowd below.

In another solemn moment, he was surrounded by four attendants, one holding his microphone steady as the Pope addressed the faithful. His appearance came as a shock to many, given his fragile health and recent hospitalizations. However, despite this, Pope Francis delivered a moving message of peace and hope.

“Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” he declared to a crowd of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Gone were the oxygen tubes seen during his previous outings — and in their place were a smile and waves.

What followed was even more unexpected. In a move that defied his recent medical struggles, Pope Francis entered the open-air Popemobile and toured the square, waving to the crowd and even stopping to bless several infants brought up to him.

Earlier that same day, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Pope’s Casa Santa Marta residence. Their meeting was described as a short Easter greeting, following Vance’s earlier discussions with the Vatican secretary of state about global conflicts and immigration — topics on which he and the Pope have previously disagreed.

Photos taken during the day have now taken on new meaning in light of Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his Vatican residence. The Vatican News confirmed his passing in a touching tribute.

“Thank you, and bless you,” one netizen shared. Another commented, “And he died the very next day…. Rest in Peace Pope Francis!” while a third typed, “Rest in peace Pope Francis.”

Before his passing, the Pope made another poignant appearance. Amid the echoing marble halls of St. Peter’s Basilica, a serene yet striking moment unfolded — Pope Francis was photographed during an outing in early April that prompted much discussion online.

Surrounded by advisors and aides, the pontiff was seen being pushed around in a wheelchair, offering a gentle gesture of peace to those around him.

Captured in a video shared by digital creator, Jacob Stein — known on Instagram as @cruxstationalis — the Pope exuded a subdued, yet poised presence.

“Pope Francis made a surprise visit to St Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair while using his oxygen cannula. It was the first time he has been seen without his papal attire. Let’s keep praying for his recovery!” read the caption of the Instagram post.

In the footage, the pontiff is seen robed not in his traditional white cassock, but in black pants and a soft, striped covering — simple, functional, and unexpectedly informal. A discreet oxygen cannula rested beneath his nose, suggesting ongoing respiratory care.

The sight of him in this pared-down state offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the physical vulnerability of one of the world’s most visible spiritual leaders.

The setting — the grandeur of the basilica’s marbled corridors and towering arches — served only to emphasize the quiet humility of the moment.

There was no pomp, no ceremony, just a man, revered by millions, allowing himself to be seen not as a figure of institutional power, but as a human being navigating fragility with grace.

As the video of the Pope’s appearance circulated online, it ignited a cascade of reactions across social media platforms — many of them emotionally charged, and others steeped in concern or confusion.

A considerable number of people focused on the Pope’s outfit, which clearly diverged from his usual papal attire. “What in heavens name – why isn’t he dressed. How disrespectful to the Pope [sic],” one person remarked.

Echoing the sentiment, another questioned, “Why is he in those clothes?” while someone else simply asked, “In this outfit?” The noticeable change in appearance led to deeper speculation, with one person observing, “He’s not even wearing his fisherman’s ring…….is he still the Pope, or is the first sign of leaving [sic].”

Questions about the Pope’s physical condition were just as prevalent. “Doesn’t even look like him,” asserted a spectator, reflecting a common thread of concern.

“He’s lost so much weight,” noticed another, while a more contemplative voice reiterated, “Looks like he lost a lot of weight. This becomes him…”

Beyond outward appearance, some people turned to deeper interpretations, with one netizen suggesting Pope Francis’ appearance, in the clothes he wore, signified a message that “they are gradually dismantling the Church.”

Pope Francis’ death marked the end of a papacy shaped by resilience, reform, and compassion. As preparations begin for the days ahead, the world reflects on the legacy of a leader who spent his final months in service, despite the toll on his health.