A day of celebration turned into mourning as Pope Francis made his last public appearance during Easter Sunday services at the Vatican.
According to Daily Mail, the 88-year-old pontiff died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure at 7:35 a.m. Monday at the Saint Martha residence, about 90 minutes after his alarm clock woke him up.
The Vatican confirmed through Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, that Pope Francis had previous health conditions including acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes. His death was officially verified through electrocardiographic thanatography.
Despite doctors' orders to rest and reduce his schedule, Pope Francis spent his last day greeting an estimated crowd of 35,000 faithful at St. Peter's Square. For about 50 minutes, the pontiff's vehicle moved through the masses in 21-degree Celsius heat without wearing the nasal cannula he had been using since his discharge from hospital.
Earlier that day, he appeared on the Vatican balcony to deliver his traditional Easter message before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing, which called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. The pope also had a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, where he gave the vice president three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children.
His determination to continue his duties showed through his actions that defied medical advice, as he had just been released from a 38-day hospital stay battling double pneumonia less than a month ago.
The College of Cardinals will convene to choose the 267th Pope, but the conclave will not take place for at least 15 days after nine days of official mourning. Of the 252 living cardinals, 138 are under 80 and therefore eligible to vote.
Among the top contenders are Peter Turkson, the former Bishop of the Cape Coast, who could become the first black Pope, and Luis Antonio Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, who leads the betting markets and could be the first Asian Pope.
The selection carries significant weight as Francis appointed about 80% of the current voting cardinals, suggesting a likelihood of choosing someone aligned with his liberal approach to issues like LGBTQ+ rights, refugee support, and climate change.
The Holy See's press service announced that Pope Francis dedicated his entire life to serving God and the church. His body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica for three days before being buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
World leaders have begun sharing tributes, with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressing deep sadness and revealing her personal connection with the pontiff. King Charles remembered Francis for his compassion and commitment to interfaith dialogue.
The bells at Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral rang 88 times on Monday to honor the pope's 88 years of life, followed by a full ringing before noon mass.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since March 2013, passed away at the Saint Martha residence in Vatican City after waking up at 6 a.m. on Monday. A cerebral stroke led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, ending his decade-long tenure as the leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. His death marks the beginning of a crucial transition period for the Catholic Church, as cardinals prepare to elect a successor who will shape the institution's direction on pressing social and religious issues.
