Pope Francis died of stroke, heart failure — Vatican
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died of a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to a medical report released Monday evening.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official certification following a detailed examination of the late pontiff’s condition.
According to the 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.
His 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.”
Pope Francis, who was elected in March 2013, led the Catholic Church and served as sovereign of the Vatican City State for 12 years.
His passing comes just hours after he met with United States Vice President JD Vance and a day after he made a public appearance before crowds in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.