Pope Francis, at the age of 88, passed away in the Vatican’s early morning hours on April 21, 2025. The Vatican’s press office released an official statement confirming that the pope’s death resulted from a combination of a stroke and irreversible heart failure. Prior to his passing, he had fallen into a coma.
The announcement of his death was made later that day by Andrea Arcangeli, who heads the Health and Hygiene Directorate of Vatican City State. Pope Francis had faced numerous serious health challenges, including type II diabetes, arterial hypertension, and a recent respiratory infection.
As reported by USA Today, earlier in the year, he had been diagnosed with renal insufficiency and had undergone multiple bronchoscopies to aid in clearing his airways. His frail condition and compromised respiratory health contributed to a noticeable decline in his overall wellbeing.
Despite his deteriorating health, on Easter Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis appeared before his followers one last time. During a brief address at the traditional Easter Mass, he passionately called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The crowd, gathered in St. Peter’s Square, cheered “Viva il Papa!”as he waved to them, offering smiles and blessings from the popemobile.
That same day, he had a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, making it his final formal diplomatic engagement.
Pope Francis: Final Days and Global Tributes
Pope Francis’s health had been on a decline for several months leading up to his death. He was admitted to a hospital in Rome on February 14 after canceling several public appearances due to breathing problems. Physicians later diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia, a complication of a preceding respiratory infection that escalated into a polymicrobial outbreak in both lungs, according to USA Today.
During his five-week hospital stay, he experienced multiple incidents of acute respiratory failure and bronchospasms. At one point, the medical team contemplated allowing him to pass away peacefully.
Following his discharge on March 23, he continued his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta residence. Although frail, the pope remained active in Vatican affairs and even participated in several public ceremonies during Holy Week.
On March 5, he missed the Ash Wednesday service but made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his poignant address, he appealed to the warring factions in Gaza to declare a ceasefire, urging, “I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, numerous tributes poured in from both celebrities and global leaders. Actor Antonio Banderas shared a memory of shaking hands with the late pope, highlighting his capacity for kindness and compassion towards those in need.
Whoopi Goldberg expressed her sadness, stating, “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non-believer alike.”
Eva Longoria shared a simple photo of Pope Francis alongside a praying hands emoji, while Russell Crowe posted a picture of Rome’s skyline, reflecting on the day’s bittersweet nature for the faithful.
Additionally, King Charles of the United Kingdom, along with Queen Camilla, issued a statement commending Pope Francis for his compassion and unwavering commitment to all people of faith and goodwill.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope in 2013. He was notably the first pontiff from the Americas and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. Adopting the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he stood as a beacon of humility and compassion for the less fortunate.