Pope Francis died of stroke and heart failure at 88, Vatican announces

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, globally known as Pope Francis, passed away at 88 in the early hours of April 21, at 2:35 a.m. Brasília time, in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. The cause of death, confirmed by the Vatican, was heart failure combined with a stroke, worsened by bilateral pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for 38 days. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope in history, Francis led the Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, leaving a legacy of reforms, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for the poor. The announcement of his death, made during the Easter holiday, shocked faithful and world leaders, who mourned the loss of a figure known for humility and commitment to social justice. Funeral ceremonies began the same day with a suffrage Mass at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, and the pontiff’s body will be displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, for public homage.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI, who resigned. During his pontificate, he tackled challenges like pedophilia scandals, the refugee crisis, and the need to modernize the Catholic Church. His progressive approach, including allowing blessings for same-sex couples and appointing women to Vatican roles, sparked both praise and criticism. Despite frail health, aggravated by respiratory issues and chronic hip pain, Francis maintained a busy schedule until early 2025, participating in events like Easter at St. Peter’s Square.

The Vatican has begun preparations for the sede vacante period, during which the College of Cardinals will manage the Church until a new pope is elected. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, will oversee funeral rites and coordinate activities until the conclave, expected within 15 to 20 days. The decision to bury Francis at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, reflects his personal wish and marks the first time since 1903 that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican. This choice underscores the simplicity that defined his pontificate.

• Key milestones of Francis’s pontificate:
  • First Latin American and Jesuit pope.
  • Elected on March 13, 2013, after Benedict XVI’s resignation.
  • Led the Church for nearly 12 years as the 266th pope.
  • Introduced reforms in the Roman Curia and Vatican bank.
  • Championed the poor, refugees, and interfaith dialogue.

Fragile health in recent months

Pope Francis’s health was a recurring topic in 2025, particularly after a prolonged hospitalization between February and March. In early February, he was diagnosed with bronchitis, which developed into a polymicrobial infection and later bilateral pneumonia. Admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the pontiff faced breathing difficulties that prevented him from delivering sermons and prayers, including the traditional Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Square. Even after discharge on March 23, he remained under intensive medical care at Casa Santa Marta, receiving treatment for his lungs and cardiovascular monitoring.

During hospitalization, Francis showed resilience, participating in some religious activities via video conference and maintaining contact with Church leaders. However, the pneumonia left lasting effects, and his already limited mobility due to hip pain worsened, requiring constant use of a wheelchair. The combination of heart failure and the stroke that led to his death reflects complications from a complex health condition, exacerbated by advanced age. The Vatican’s transparency about the pope’s condition was praised, contrasting with earlier periods when papal health information was less forthcoming.

Francis’s medical history included other issues, such as the removal of part of a lung in his youth due to an infection and intestinal surgeries in recent years. Despite these limitations, he maintained an active schedule, traveling to countries like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor in 2024, his last major international mission. His determination to continue leading the Church, despite health challenges, reinforced his image as a dedicated shepherd but also sparked debates about the possibility of resignation, which he publicly rejected.

Funeral rites and succession

The funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis follow a strict protocol, known as the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, blending Catholic tradition and symbolism. On April 21, at 2:00 p.m. Brasília time, a suffrage Mass was held at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, presided over by Cardinal Baldo Reina. At 3:00 p.m., the rite of death confirmation took place in the private chapel at Casa Santa Marta, where the body was placed in a simple coffin, as per the pontiff’s wishes. Starting Wednesday, April 23, the body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will remain for public visitation until the funeral date, yet to be confirmed.

Burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, honors Francis’s expressed desire, reflecting his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his frequent visits to the site. The choice breaks with the tradition of burying popes at St. Peter’s Basilica, home to the tombs of St. Peter and other pontiffs. The last pope buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII in 1903, also at Santa Maria Maggiore. The funeral will be attended by world leaders, cardinals, and thousands of faithful, with live broadcasts reaching millions globally.

Following the funeral, the College of Cardinals will convene to organize the conclave to elect the next pope. Held in the Sistine Chapel, the process involves cardinals under 80 years old, currently 120, including 18 from Latin America. The election requires a two-thirds majority, and white smoke, signaling the new pope’s selection, is eagerly awaited. The conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and 11, adhering to the 15-to-20-day period after the pope’s death, as stipulated by the Code of Canon Law.

Legacy of a reforming pope

Francis assumed the papacy during a crisis for the Catholic Church, marked by financial scandals, pedophilia cases, and declining attendance in traditionally Catholic countries. His election on March 13, 2013, brought hope for renewal. As a Jesuit, he adopted a pastoral approach, emphasizing mercy and service to the poor. His decision to live at Casa Santa Marta, rather than the papal apartments, and to use a Fiat 500 instead of luxury cars symbolized his commitment to simplicity.

Among his key reforms was the restructuring of the Roman Curia, with new dicasteries to streamline Vatican administration. He also tackled financial corruption, closing suspicious accounts at the Institute for the Works of Religion, known as the Vatican bank. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ positioned the Church at the forefront of environmental debates, advocating planetary protection as a Christian duty. Additionally, Francis promoted interfaith dialogue, visiting mosques, Buddhist temples, and Jewish communities, becoming the first pope to enter a mosque in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.

On social issues, he championed refugee rights, criticizing anti-immigration policies in Europe and the United States. His 2023 authorization for priests to bless same-sex couples was a milestone, though limited to blessings, not equating to marriage. Despite this, his refusal to ordain women as priests or allow married clergy frustrated progressives, while his openness to LGBTQIA+ dialogue angered conservatives. Balancing tradition and modernity defined his pontificate.

• Francis’s reforms:
  • Restructuring of the Roman Curia with new dicasteries.
  • Combating corruption in the Vatican bank.
  • Authorization of blessings for same-sex couples (2023).
  • Appointment of women to Vatican roles.
  • Laudato Si’ encyclical on the environment (2015).

Jorge Bergoglio’s journey

Born to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up in a modest household. The son of an accountant and a housewife, he trained as a chemical technician before entering the Jesuit seminary at 21. Ordained a priest in 1969, he rose to lead the Jesuits in Argentina from 1973 to 1979, during the military dictatorship. His role during this period sparked controversy, with accusations of inaction against repression, though he was cleared of direct involvement.

As archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998, Bergoglio was known for his closeness to the poor, visiting slums and advocating for social policies. Named a cardinal in 2001 by John Paul II, he participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict XVI and was considered a frontrunner. His 2013 election at 76 surprised many, but his choice of the name Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi, signaled his intent to lead a Church focused on the marginalized.

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Bergoglio loved tango, literature, and soccer, being a devoted San Lorenzo fan with a club membership card. His relaxed personality, marked by jokes and spontaneous gestures like hugging faithful and taking selfies, broke protocols and brought the Church closer to youth. Despite criticism from conservatives, who accused him of diluting Catholic doctrine, Francis maintained broad support, with polls showing 80% of Catholics approving his papacy in 2024.

Global impact of Francis’s death

Francis’s death sparked worldwide mourning, with political, religious, and civic leaders offering condolences. Argentina’s President Javier Milei declared three days of national mourning, highlighting the country’s pride in its first pope. U.S. President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, praised Francis for his advocacy for peace and human rights. Muslim leaders, such as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt, thanked him for fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue. In Brazil, São Paulo’s Archbishop, Cardinal Odilo Scherer, held a memorial Mass at the Sé Cathedral.

On social media, millions shared messages of grief, with hashtags like #PopeFrancis and #ThankYouFrancis reaching billions of views. Faithful in Rome filled St. Peter’s Square, despite the Easter holiday, to pray and leave flowers. The image of St. Peter’s Basilica bell tolling at dawn, announcing the death, became a symbol of the moment, widely shared by media. The outpouring reflects Francis’s influence, recognized by 70% of non-Catholics as a global figure, according to the Pew Research Center.

Francis’s death also reignited debates about the Catholic Church’s future. Progressives advocate continuing his reforms, while conservatives call for a return to traditional doctrine. The next pope’s selection will be pivotal in determining whether the Church maintains Francis’s openness or adopts a stricter stance. The conclave will be closely watched, especially in countries with strong Catholic populations, like Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines, which account for 30% of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Funeral ceremonies schedule

The Vatican released the initial schedule for the funeral ceremonies, following centuries-old Catholic traditions. Below are the main events, in Brasília time:

• April 21, 2:00 p.m.: Suffrage Mass at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, presided by Cardinal Baldo Reina.
• April 21, 3:00 p.m.: Death confirmation rite and body placement in the coffin, at Casa Santa Marta’s private chapel.
• April 23, morning: Transfer of the body to St. Peter’s Basilica for public visitation.
• Date to be confirmed: Funeral at St. Peter’s Square, followed by burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
• May 6–11 (estimated): Start of the conclave to elect the new pope.

Challenges faced by Francis

During his pontificate, Francis tackled internal and external crises that tested his leadership. Pedophilia scandals, which eroded the Church’s credibility, prompted him to establish a commission for child protection and adopt zero-tolerance policies. However, criticism persists, with victims demanding greater accountability from bishops. The Vatican’s financial crisis, with annual deficits up to 50 million euros, required drastic reforms, including cutting cardinals’ privileges and auditing accounts.

Globally, Francis confronted political polarization, criticizing leaders like Vladimir Putin for the Ukraine war and Benjamin Netanyahu for the Gaza conflict. His advocacy for refugees, with visits to camps in Lesbos and Lampedusa, contrasted with rising anti-immigration movements in Europe. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his solitary prayer in St. Peter’s Square in 2020 became a symbol of solidarity, broadcast to millions in lockdown.

Gender and sexuality issues were another challenge. While advancing by allowing blessings for same-sex couples and appointing women to the Synod of Bishops, Francis faced internal resistance. His view that the priesthood is reserved for men drew criticism from Catholic feminist movements expecting greater openness. Still, his pastoral approach, described as a “field hospital” for the marginalized, solidified his image as a humane and accessible leader.

Curiosities about Francis

Francis’s pontificate was filled with unique moments and traits that made him a singular figure. Some curiosities about his life and leadership:

• Inspiring name: Chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, protector of the poor and nature.
• Passionate fan: A San Lorenzo supporter, he held a club membership card.
• First Jesuit: The first member of the Society of Jesus to become pope.
• Simple style: Rejected papal apartments and wore worn black shoes instead of traditional red ones.
• Interfaith dialogue: Visited a mosque in the UAE in 2019, a first for a pope.

Expectations for the next conclave

The conclave to choose Francis’s successor will be one of the most watched in recent history, given his pontificate’s impact. With 120 voting cardinals, the group reflects the diversity Francis promoted, as he appointed 70% of them, including representatives from Mongolia, South Africa, and Singapore. Latin America, with 18 cardinals, will have significant influence, but the choice may fall on a European, like Italy’s Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, or an Asian, like the Philippines’ Luis Antonio Tagle, seen as progressive.

Key conclave topics will include continuing Francis’s reforms, addressing gender and sexuality issues, and managing Church finances. Polarization between progressives and conservatives will be a challenge, with traditional groups advocating for a pope who reinforces doctrine and avoids rapid changes. The election will also be shaped by global issues, like the Church’s role in international conflicts and the climate crisis, themes Francis emphasized.

The white smoke announcing the new pope will be awaited by millions. The next pontiff will face the task of leading a Church with 1.4 billion followers in a world marked by political divisions, social inequalities, and ethical challenges. Francis’s legacy of mercy and dialogue will serve as a benchmark, but the Church’s future will depend on the new pope’s ability to blend ancient traditions with contemporary demands.