Pope Francis survived pneumonia, report reveals likely cause of death

Pope Francis breathed his last on April 21, almost a month after he surprised medical experts with his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia. Pope Francis’ death, in all probability, was not linked to a respiratory issue but was a result of a cerebral haemorrhage (a stroke), according to ANSA, Italy’s leading news agency.

Citing well-informed sources, ANSA said, “One of the possible causes of Pope Francis’ death was a cerebral haemorrhage”.

Pope Francis spent nearly five weeks in hospital because of pneumonia and was discharged on March 23.

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, told the media that the exact cause of Pope Francis’ death would most likely be disclosed “this evening” (Vatican time).

Pope Francis, despite illness, appeared in a wheelchair on Sunday. In his last message, he emphasised the importance of freedom and peace at a time when the world is witnessing several conflicts on a large scale.

He highlighted the importance of freedom of religion and expression, stating that they were essential for world peace.

In February this year, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with a respiratory tract infection that turned into pneumonia in both lungs.

After more than a month of treatment and monitoring, he was discharged and returned to his residence at the Vatican to recover.

His death was confirmed earlier today by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo.

In a statement, he announced that Pope Francis passed away at 07:35 local time on Easter Monday morning. Tributes and messages of condolence soon began arriving from around the world.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER POPE’S DEATH?

Shortly after the official announcement of the Pope’s demise, Vatican officials start the process of confirming his death.

This responsibility typically falls to the Vatican health department and the Camerlengo. The acting cameramano, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, aged 77, will be tasked with confirming the death and overseeing the initial arrangements.

Once confirmation is complete, it is customary for the Pope’s body to be moved to his private chapel.

There, the body will be dressed in a white cassock and laid in a zinc-lined wooden coffin, underscoring both reverence and continuity of ritual.

Vatican procedures indicate that his mitre and pallium will be respectfully set aside, while his body will be adorned in red vestments, in keeping with longstanding custom.

In a symbolic ritual marking the end of a papacy, the pope’s official signet, commonly known as the “Fisherman’s Ring,” will be ritually broken.

Historically, the camerlengo carries out this task using a special hammer to crush the ring—a poignant gesture that prevents any possibility of false use and visually confirms the conclusion of the pontificate.