Pope Francis Has Died of a Stroke: The Catholic World in Mourning

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, due to a stroke, the Vatican announced in the evening. The Supreme Pontiff, who had been hospitalized for several weeks starting in mid-February due to respiratory complications, died in his apartment at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican, where he had lived since his election in March 2013.

According to his death certificate, released by the Vatican, Pope Francis succumbed to a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory failure. His death was confirmed by “electrocardiographic recording,” noted Professor Andrea Arcangeli, head of the Vatican’s Department of Health and Hygiene.

An “Expected” But Heart-Wrenching Death

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been suffering from increasingly fragile health in recent weeks. Hospitalized multiple times, notably for kidney failure and severe pneumonia, his condition had recently raised serious concern within the Vatican. His death was officially confirmed at 6 p.m., before his body was placed in a coffin at 8 p.m., in accordance with protocols established by the Holy See.

A Pontificate Marked by Simplicity and Commitment

The first Latin American and Jesuit pope to ascend to the Throne of Saint Peter, Francis left a deep mark on the Church through his direct pastoral style, his disarming humor, and his constant care for the most vulnerable. “He wanted a Church close to the poor and the fragile, a home of fraternity,” said François Bayrou.

Holy Monday: A Powerful Symbol

His passing on Holy Monday, between the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter Sunday, deeply moved the faithful. “It’s as if he led the Church all the way to the Resurrection,” emphasized Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, who described him as “a paternal man, with a demanding and loving faith.”

Tributes Pour In from Around the World

A National Prayer in Paris

At 6 p.m., a solemn mass was celebrated at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris by Rector Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas, followed by a prayer vigil starting at 8 p.m. In tribute, the cathedral bells rang 88 times—once for each year of the Pope’s life.

Ceremonies Across France

Masses and vigils also took place in Lille, Marseille, and at La Major, where Cardinal Aveline celebrated a thanksgiving service. Five French cardinals will take part in the conclave within the next two weeks to elect his successor.

A Wave of International Reactions

World Figures Honor an “Extraordinary” Pope

Barack and Michelle Obama paid tribute to “a rare leader who made us better,” highlighting his simple gestures: “embracing the sick, washing the feet of young prisoners…” Donald Trump ordered American flags flown at half-staff, calling him a “good man.”

The Dalai Lama, speaking from India, praised “a man in service to others.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saluted a pope who “promoted interfaith dialogue.”

Celebrities Deeply Moved

Whoopi Goldberg, Russell Crowe, and Mireille Mathieu expressed their emotions on social media. The French singer recalled her visit to the Vatican in December 2019: “He was warm, human. A great man.”

The Vatican Prepares for the Final Farewell

Pope’s Body to Lie in State Starting Wednesday

The Holy See has announced that Pope Francis’ body will lie in state beginning Wednesday in Saint Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects. The date of the funeral has not yet been announced, but an exceptional turnout is expected.

Canonization Postponed, Conclave in Preparation

Due to the mourning period, the canonization of Carlo Acutis scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed. The conclave to elect the new pope will gather 135 cardinals in the coming weeks.