The Press Office of Vatican City State has disclosed that Pope Francis died of a stroke, followed by heart failure on Monday morning.
The CNN also reports that the Vatican’s press office stated this in a statement made available on Monday evening.
Francis’ death was also affected other by other ailments, including a “previous episode of acute respiratory failure,” arterial hypertension and type II diabetes, the statement said.
The statement was signed by the Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, Andrea Arcangeli.
The late Pontiff was hospitalized for five weeks earlier this year, initially suffering from a severe respiratory infection. He was subsequently diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, which evolved to pneumonia in both lungs. Francis came close to death during his hospitalization, according to his medical team.
His doctors had said that the Pope was so critically ill as the staff considered stopping his treatment so he could die. After his medical team said his condition had stabilized, he continued his recovery at his Casa Santa Marta residence.
Despite his poor health, Francis, one of the oldest popes in the church’s history, was seen a number of times in public at the Vatican during Holy Week, culminating in an Easter Sunday appearance where he delighted crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Actors, TV personalities share memories of meeting Pope Francis
Several actors, TV hosts and celebrities have paid tribute to Pope Francis by sharing photos and messages in remembrance of the late Pontiff.
Actor Jonathan Pryce, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Pope Francis in the 2019 film “The Two Popes,” said in a statement sent to CNN that he was “saddened to hear” of the Pope’s death and that it was “an absolute privilege to portray him.” Pryce added that Pope Francis “was a man of integrity who embraced diversity and equality, spoke for the poor, the disenfranchised, refugees and immigrants” and called on “world leaders” to listen to his teachings.
“The View” host Whoopi Goldberg shared a photo of her meeting Pope Francis on her Instagram page, writing in the caption that he was “the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer.” Goldberg added that her reminded her of “Pope John the 23rd who made belief real.”
Actor Antonio Banderas remembered Pope Francis on his Instagram page as “a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,” and shared a photo of himself shaking hands with the pontiff.
Late night host Jimmy Fallon wrote on his Instagram page that it was “an honour” to meet Pope Francis last summer, adding that he’s glad to have made the pope laugh and thanked him for his “encouraging words.”
Journalist and author Maria Shriver said she was “deeply heartbroken” to learn of the passing of Francis, writing on her Instagram page about how much she “admired his voice in our world.” Shriver also recalled traveling to Rome to cover Pope Francis in his earliest days as the pontiff, calling it “one of the highlights of my journalism career” and wrote she was “proud to be a Catholic” while he was the pope. “I hope whoever comes next will continue Pope Francis’s steady, strong, and compassionate leadership,” she added.”
Actor Russell Crowe shared a photo of Rome on his X page, writing that it’s a “beautiful day” in the capital of Italy but that it’s “a sad day for the faithful.”
Pope Francis is remembered during Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square
A rosary prayer has been held for the late Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Monday evening.
The prayer was led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, in front of hundreds of mourners in and around the square.
“We wish to thank the Lord for the gifts he bestowed upon the entire church through the apostolic ministry of Pope Francis, a pilgrim of hope who never disappointed,” he said. “We wish to entrust him to the merciful father in communion with Mary, Queen of Heaven, and through the intercession of the apostle Peter,” Gambetti said.
I’m grateful to have lived when Francis was Pope, says Cardinal
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, said Pope Francis’ delivered his message in both words and actions, all the way up until the final days of his life.
Francis gave the traditional Easter blessing on Sunday, appearing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He later greeted cheering crowds from the popemobile — the first time he had done so since his hospitalization.
In that ride, Francis wanted “to be with people. He wanted them to know that he was with them. He was a fellow pilgrim with them,” Cupich said. He described the pope as someone who “always put people at ease with his humor,” but also someone who could be serious and take up serious issues.
“I think that also says much about his legacy. He wanted to accompany people, and he told us to accompany one another because we’re all fellow pilgrims,” Cupich told CNN.
Francis was renowned for his advocacy for the poor and insistence on a more welcoming Catholic Church. He made defense of the planet, the plight of migrants and building peace through dialogue the pillars of his papacy.
Cupich, who was elevated to archbishop by Francis in 2016, said Francis “gave us a more expensive view of what we could be” and how we could help others. The archbishop said he feels a “great sense of gratitude that I lived a time in which he was a pope.”
“Even though there is division in the world, and even in the church, he told us that — time and again — that the Lord prayed for unity within the human family before he died and that is something that we should promote,” Cupich said.
Argentines of various faiths pray for Pope Francis
Argentines of various faiths and backgrounds gathered on Monday to pray for Pope Francis at some of the churches where he worshiped and worked.
In Buenos Aires, Father José Luis Carbajal led Mass at the San José de Flores church, where Jorge Bergoglio – as Francis was known before becoming pope – began his priestly vocation.
“There is the confessional where he finishes confirming his priestly vocation,” Carbajal told reporters at the church. “I have those memories, you know? They kill me, because it’s as if he gave you importance without you being it. He made you feel important, valued, cherished, loved.”
At the Buenos Aires Cathedral, where Francis was once archbishop, both Catholics and non-religious residents spoke about what the pontiff, a fellow Argentine, meant to them.
“To me, he represents a leader beyond being religious,” said Hugo, a resident of Buenos Aires. “Although he was religious and had his duties, I find him an admirable person. I see him more as a person than a pope, maybe because I’m not very religious.”
Paula, who is Christian, told CNN she felt immense pride that Francis represented both her country and faith.
“Well, as an Argentine, it’s truly a pride, and as a Christian too. His reach to everyone, to all people, really. So, one more among us,” she said.
Paula and Hugo did not provide their last names.
Pope Francis had charming, ‘very warm’ personality, says Minnesota Bishop
Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota has remembered Pope Francis for his life and legacy, but also for his charming and funny personality.
The cleric said Francis was “very warm, very generous, funny. I would speak to him in Spanish, and there was almost always a joke involved or a pleasantry of some kind.”
Barron was appointed by Francis and met with him several times last October.
“He also had an extraordinary memory,” Barron told CNN. “He wouldn’t see someone like me every day, and he had a keen sense of who I was and knew people’s names. I was always very impressed by that.”
Barron said the late pope was also “very approachable” and his emphasis on taking care of the poor and marginalized communities was “a natural extension of his personal style.”
Francis spent his final days participating in the celebration of Easter. Barron said that also is an example of how he “always wanted to be out with the people,” even after he was treated for double pneumonia a few weeks ago.
“The last thing I heard him say was that kind of strained ‘buona Pasqua,’ you know, wishing good Easter to everybody,” Barron said. “What a wonderful final message for a pope. The pope’s job is to declare the resurrection, which is what he was doing, really, with his last breath.”
Ex -US House Speaker Pelosi shares memories with CNN of meetings with Pope Francis
Former US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, on Monday shared her memories of Pope Francis, whom she met with four times before his death.
In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Pelosi, who is Catholic, praised Francis as a “confident pope,” and said he spoke about immigrants and refugees “again and again,” as it was “such a high priority for him.”
“This is a person, I mean, so beautiful, so lovely, so joyous. He would laugh about so many things. And I found the great privilege to meet with him at least four times,” she said.
Pelosi said the Pope loved children and she recalled visiting him with her own kids and grandkids.
She remembered the late pope allowing her to receive the holy sacrament of Communion during an official visit to the Vatican in 2022, despite her home archbishop banning her from doing so due to her support for abortion rights.
Pelosi said Francis met privately with her and her husband, Paul, and the Vatican released photos of them together. She then was allowed to receive communion during Mass, which she said “effectively” sent a message.
Argentina, Pope Francis’ home country, declares 7 days mourning
A faithful Catholic holds a portrait of Pope Francis as she attends Mass at the Basilica San Jose de Flores in Buenos Aires on Monday.
Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has declared seven days of mourning, following the death of Pope Francis, as confirmed to CNN by a spokesperson close to the president.
The Pope was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is a Catholic-majority country.
The same source informed CNN that Milei is scheduled to travel to Rome this Wednesday for the funeral events of Francis at the Vatican.
Before he became president, Milei once took issue with Pope Francis. Milei clashed with the pontiff over his country’s economic policies, saying in 2022 that Francis is “always on the side of evil.” He later walked back that statement, and when he met the pontiff, the two embraced each other.
After the Pope’s death on Monday, Milei said, “having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honour for me.”
Trump says he’s not sure if he’ll attend Pope Francis’ funeral, but says “he’s a very good man”
President Donald Trump said he is unsure if he will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
“I don’t know yet. We’re going to be briefed on it right now,” Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday morning.
Asked if he’d like to go to the funeral, Trump said: “Well, I don’t know. I just have to look at the timing. We just lowered the flags.” Trump had ordered flags flown at half-staff earlier Monday in honor of the pope’s death.
Additionally, Trump, who the Pope had criticized over his immigration crackdown, said he agrees with Pope Francis’ message of tolerance toward migrants.
“Yeah, I do, I do,” Trump said. “I really do.”
Commenting on the Pope’s legacy, Trump said: “He’s a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that’s good with me.”
Tinubu, other African leaders laud Pope Francis as voice for peace, equality
A host of African leaders have offered their condolences after the death of Pope Francis on Monday, paying tribute to the late pontiff.
In his comment over the passing of Pope Francis, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, said in a post on X that he mourns the death of Francis with a “heavy heart,” calling him a “humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.” Tinubu said the late Pope Francis was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.
Tinubu said, “The late Pope Francis was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions”
The Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, “profoundly mourns” Pope Francis in a statement made available on Monday. He said that death of the pontiff “represents a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice for peace, love, and mercy, and an example to be emulated in devotion to noble values,” noting Francis’ commitment to the people of Gaza and his criticism of Israel’s war against Hamas.
Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto called the death of Pope Francis a “big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world,” adding that “his strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”
Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, said that “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened” by the passing of Francis, who “sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.” He added that “Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalized individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.”
Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, wrote on X that he extended his “deepest condolences” on the Pope’s death. “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” he wrote.
The President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa called the late Pope “a man of profound humility who stood for peace, compassion, and justice,” writing on X that he joins the world in mourning Francis’ passing.
“Always one of us”: In Argentina, Pope’s favourite soccer team commemorates their late fan
Argentine soccer team San Lorenzo de Almagro paid tribute to Pope Francis’ devotion to the club, saying on X that he was “always one of us.”
“From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to [Pope] Francis, there was one thing that never changed: his love for the Cyclone,” the team said, referring to one of its nicknames.
The post included a video tribute to the Pope, showing him holding jerseys and memorabilia of the team, from his days as priest and cardinal to his time as pontiff. “Wrapped in deep sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell! We will be together for eternity!” the team wrote.
In Buenos Aires, a local fan of the club spoke to CNN about what Pope Francis meant to his community, where he was considered “family.”
“We are from the neighborhood, we are from San Lorenzo … It was an important part of Francis, our club. But we come mainly to try to bring a bit of empathy, solidarity, and the desire that Francis had for us to be united today,” Daniel Ruiz said.
Parishioner who worked with Pope in Buenos Aires: He ‘focused on what no one wanted to talk about or look at’
A man holds a picture of Pope Francis inside Buenos Aires’ Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday, after the death of pontiff was announced by the Vatican. Agustin Marcarian/Reuters
CNN spoke with parishioners at the cathedral in Buenos Aires after the death of Pope Francis, including Elisa, who worked with the late pope in the church when he was a cardinal.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was trying to find out if it was true news or not, and at the moment I consulted everywhere, and I was quite shocked,” Elisa, who did not provide her name, told CNN. “I left my house to come to work. I had a journey of over an hour. I was looking for photos of him praying, looking for videos, reviewing the video from yesterday, the blessing that I saw live. Remembering his voice. So until now, I got emotional at the photo. I broke down right there because we saw him here and nothing.”
Elisa described Pope Francis as “very present” in the community of Barracas.
She noted that the pope chose to only take the bus as his method of transport and walked all over the neighborhood. Elisa said that he “gave confirmation to my sister and me in 1997 or 1998. And there we started working with the church. He would come and we were in the choir, and we saw him at all the masses.”
Elisa said she’ll remember Pope Francis’ “calm” and “firm voice,” as well as his willingness to see those who “nobody wanted to look at.”
“He focused on what no one wanted to talk about or look at. He had that broad perspective. And those arms, those arms that said to everyone, everyone, everyone, it didn’t matter who they were, to everyone,” she said, noting that she will remember him as “always advocating for children, caring for women, for those discarded, that gaze he had for everyone.”
Pope Francis was a ‘messenger of hope, humility, and humanity,’ says UN Secretary-General
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, said at a news conference in New York on Monday that Pope Francis was a “messenger of hope, humility, and humanity,” while paying tribute to the late pontiff.
Guterres extended his condolences to Catholics and called Francis a “transcendent voice for peace, human dignity, and social justice.”
Those working at the UN were “greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization,” Guterres added.
Guterres also mentioned Francis’ Easter message, delivered on Sunday, just hours before his death. Francis “urged the world to invest in what he referred to as the weapons of peace, to help the most vulnerable, to fight hunger, to advance development,” Guterres said.
“Our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if you follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.”
What happens next after the death of Pope Francis? How the days ahead will unfold
The death of Pope Francis has triggered a period of mourning in the Vatican and signals the start of a millennia-old process of picking a new pontiff.
It is a procedure steeped in tradition, but one which has been subtly updated for the modern world.
Cardinals — senior church officials appointed by the pope — from around the world must gather for the conclave in which Francis’ successor is selected. It typically takes between two and three weeks for a pope to be chosen, though it can stretch slightly beyond that if cardinals struggle to agree on a candidate.
The voting process is kept secret but will take place with the eyes of the world on the Vatican and amid intense scrutiny of the Catholic Church — an institution whose reputation has been stained by the scandal of child sex abuse within its ranks, overshadowing the legacies of successive popes.
Pope Francis dies at 88: How the days ahead will unfold
The period between pontiffs is known as the “papal interregnum,” when the church is without a spiritual leader. During this period of “sede vacante,” or “empty chair,” the church follows a clear set of rules as laid out in the apostolic constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis.
1. Death
The pontiff’s death triggers an elaborate series of rituals which will be orchestrated by the camerlengo, a senior Vatican official.
2. Exposition of the body
Pope Francis’ body initially lies in rest for private visits by the papal household, Vatican staff, heads of state and religious leaders.
It is then moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state and allow the public to pay their respects.
3. General Congregations
On a day set by the camerlengo and until conclave begins, cardinals meet daily to manage day-to-day business of the church, as well as coordinate the lying in state, funeral and conclave.
4. ‘Novendiales’
The church observes an Ancient Roman ritual known as the “novendiales,” which calls for nine days of mourning.
Starting with the funeral Mass, a different cardinal celebrates a public funeral rite for the pontiff each day.
5. Conclave
A secretive vote to elect the next pope is held within the Sistine Chapel, the home of conclave.
The ballot papers are burned after votes, with crowds waiting outside in St. Peter’s Square for white smoke to rise from the chapel chimney signaling a new pontiff.
6. Inauguration
A Mass is celebrated to install the 267th pope and usually takes place a few days after his election.
While it is his choice when and where to hold the Mass, it is generally held at St. Peter’s.
Leaders across the Americas pay tribute to Pope Francis
Leaders across the Americas paid tribute to Pope Francis on Monday as the region — home to 47.8% of the world’s Catholic population, according to the Vatican — woke up to news of his death.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney remembered the pope as “a shepherd of deep moral clarity, spiritual courage, and boundless compassion” who “redefined the moral responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a post on X it was a “great honor and privilege” to know the pope, calling him a “humanist who stood for the poor, peace, and equality.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said “humanity loses a voice of respect and acceptance of others” in his post mourning the pope’s death. Francis “always stood by those who need it most: the poor, refugees, the young, the elderly, and the victims of wars and all forms of prejudice,” Lula da Silva added.
US President Donald Trump commemorated the pope on social media, saying “May God Bless him and all who loved him!” He was joined by other US political leaders, who also released tributes to Pope Francis.
Trump orders flags flown at half-staff as ‘mark of respect for memory’ of Pope Francis
President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a “mark of respect for the memory” for Pope Francis, who passed on Monday.
The order applies to “all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” Trump wrote in the proclamation.
He also included “United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
On the White House South Lawn, where the Easter Egg Roll was underway, the American flag on the top of the White House was flying at half-staff Monday morning.
In Easter speech hours before his death, Francis called for an end wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan
When Pope Francis looked over thousands of Catholics who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, he had prepared a speech that looked over at a world replete with pockets of conflict and called for an end to the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.
Too infirm to read aloud more than a few phrases, Francis sat while an aide delivered his Easter speech: A “celebration of life” amid the “rumble of death” that he said was growing across the world.
Francis’ papacy began in a different, more peaceful time. In 2013, Russia had not yet annexed Crimea. Syria’s civil war was bloody but had not yet dragged in large foreign powers. Migration to Europe was not yet deemed a “crisis.”
In a speech delivered just hours before his death, Francis listed 11 countries and six regions now wracked by conflict, surveying a world sliding further into war and disorder.
“What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of our world!… How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!” Francis said.
He prayed for Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, “constructive dialogue” to help resolve famine in Yemen, peace in Sudan and South Sudan and he prayed for victims of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also mentioned a nascent ceasefire after years of civil war in Myanmar was a slim “sign of hope.
The pontiff prayed for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, and decried the sufferings of people in Gaza, “where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction.” Francis, a fervent critic of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, ramped up his censures in recent months, calling the conflict “very serious and shameful” in January.
