Pope Francis dies: Vatican releases cause of death

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement which read, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.″

The pope passed hours after he had celebrated Easter. He blessed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and, rode through the crowd gathered there in what The Associated Press called “a surprise popemobile romp.”

Update 2:07 p.m. ET, April 21: The Vatican has released the cause of death for Pope Francis. He died of a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible “cardiocirculatory collapse, The New York Times reported.

The pope’s death was confirmed by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican health department, according to the AP.

The doctor said Pope Francis also had episodes of respiratory insufficiency. He had suffered previously from bilateral pneumonia, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

The pope’s time of death was 7:35 a.m. local time.

Update 2:04 p.m. ET, April 21: The first public commemoration of Pope Francis began. With sunset, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, began a Rosary prayer for Francis.

Gambetti bowed to an icon of the Madonna as a choir sang. Sister Raffaella Petrini, one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican, presented the first reading.

Original report: In the statement announcing the pope’s death, Farrell said, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″

Flags were lowered to half-staff in Italy to mourn his death. The day — Easter Monday — was already a public holiday there. Bells rang in mourning at the Vatican.

President Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at half-mast at “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.”

One of those at St. Peter’s Square on Monday, Evan Bonnano, who is from Philadelphia, said it is “a very sad day. It is honestly impressive, I think, that he made it to Easter. I think that is almost like a miracle for Italy.”

Pope Francis had several health challenges over his lifetime. He had part of one lung removed when he was a young man, CNN reported.

In 2022 and 2023, he had to cancel planned travel due to his health.

In addition to his breathing issues, Francis had diverticulitis and had part of his colon removed in 2021.

He prepared for his failing health, going so far as to sign a resignation letter in December 2022 that would be used if he became “impaired.”

On Feb. 14, he was hospitalized after having bronchitis symptoms. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia. He was in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for five weeks.

During Holy Week, the pope did not lead the main services, but he did make appearances throughout the past few days, visiting a prison for 30 minutes on Thursday, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, and giving the Easter blessing from the basilica on Sunday.

He blessed Rome and the world with an aide reading his address. Francis performed the blessing, with a weak voice but without the nasal cannula that he had been wearing to receive oxygen, saying, “Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter.”

Pope Francis will be buried outside of the Vatican, the first in more than a century. Instead of being buried beneath the basilica, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. He announced the plan in December 2023, saying he had a “very strong connection” with the basilica where he would visit to honor the Virgin Mary.

The last pope not to be buried at St. Peter’s Basilica was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903.

The Archdiocese of Seattle sent KIRO 7 News the following statement about his death:

"The Archdiocese of Seattle is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Pope Francis, who has been the universal shepherd not just for Catholics, but for all of God’s children. He fought through his recent health challenges with such grace and had a beautiful public moment on Easter Sunday – our holiest of days, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. What a beautiful gift to the world.

We are immensely grateful for the pastoral care he shared with us and for his lifelong commitment to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. He loved the poor, the outcast, the downtrodden, the marginalized, the earth and all of God’s children. His papacy will be celebrated for teaching all of us to love like Christ did."

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne issues the following statement:

"I am deeply saddened at the news of the death of Pope Francis. I am also profoundly grateful for his years of witness to the Gospel. By his teaching and pastoral charity, he has reminded us that the heart of God is loving mercy and all people are called to exercise this mercy in all of our relationships. May Pope Francis now experience the same loving mercy from the living God he served so selflessly throughout his ministry and life. Please join me in praying for the peaceful repose of this good shepherd."

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