Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Stroke and Cardiac Arrest

VATICAN CITY, April 21 (Reuters) — Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican confirmed. His death marks the end of a transformative and often turbulent papacy.

Despite battling double pneumonia earlier this year, Francis appeared in good spirits during Easter celebrations in St. Peter’s Square just one day before his death. The Vatican’s official announcement, made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, stated the pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time.

According to Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the pontiff fell into a coma before succumbing to the stroke. Francis had also been managing chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

His body is expected to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday to allow the public to pay their respects. A date for the funeral has not been confirmed, though it is likely to occur between Friday and Sunday. Dozens of world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend.

Tributes poured in from around the globe. Argentina, Francis’s home country, and Brazil both declared seven days of mourning. Religious and political leaders praised his commitment to the poor, marginalized, and his efforts to reform the global Church.

Francis made headlines during his 11-year papacy for his humility and reformist agenda. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he was elected pope in 2013. He chose to live in modest Vatican accommodations rather than the traditional papal apartments and prioritized transparency, financial reform, and inclusion of women in leadership roles.

While admired by many, Francis faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives. He struggled to fully resolve the Church’s sexual abuse crisis and often sparked controversy with off-the-cuff remarks. His vision for a more inclusive Church was frequently met with resistance.

Still, Francis remained a global figure of unity and compassion, advocating for peace, interfaith dialogue, and migrant rights. His visibility on the international stage, especially during his many travels, solidified his reputation as the “pope of the poor.”

In a departure from tradition, Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major instead of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican confirmed that the conclave to elect a new pope will likely occur within 15 to 20 days. Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote, potentially influencing the election of a like-minded successor.

A planned canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis, set for April 27, has been postponed.