In the early hours of Monday morning, the world lost one of its most beloved and transformative spiritual leaders, Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away following a massive stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, as reported by the Vatican. His death marked the end of a papacy defined by compassion, humility, and a profound commitment to humanity.
The Holy See Press Office released the news Monday evening, accompanied by an official medical certificate signed by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State. The report detailed the cause of death as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible heart failure. Pope Francis had recently been discharged from a five-week hospitalization where he was treated for double pneumonia.
Dr. Arcangeli further revealed that the Pope had a pre-existing history of acute respiratory failure due to multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes. His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography — a procedure used to determine death with absolute certainty.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church in more than 1,200 years. When he was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, his choice of the name “Francis” — after Saint Francis of Assisi — foreshadowed a papacy rooted in humility, advocacy for the poor, and care for creation.
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Pope Francis quickly became known not just for breaking tradition but for humanizing the papacy. He shunned the luxurious Apostolic Palace, choosing instead to live in a modest guesthouse. He used simple cars, made surprise visits to homeless shelters, and washed the feet of prisoners during Holy Week. His was a leadership of presence — being where others wouldn’t go, speaking to those others wouldn’t hear.
Under his leadership, the Vatican saw bold reforms aimed at curbing corruption, improving transparency, and making the Church more responsive to social issues. He made headlines for his inclusive stance on LGBTQ+ persons, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” He also championed causes such as climate action, refugee rights, and economic justice.
In 2015, he published Laudato si’, an encyclical on environmental stewardship, which became a landmark document urging global action to combat climate change. In all his work, Pope Francis brought a tone of urgency, empathy, and directness that endeared him to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
The announcement of his passing triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens around the world. In Nigeria, former President Muhammadu Buhari issued a tribute calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as a gesture of peace in honor of the Pope. “Let us embrace the message he lived by — love for humanity and peace without borders,” Buhari said.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State also paid his respects, describing the Pope as “a man full of humanity, compassion, and courage.” Mbah added, “Pope Francis lived for others, and in death, his spirit will continue to inspire us to walk the path of truth, justice, and mercy.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, expressed the Church’s immense sorrow. “He was not only the Bishop of Rome,” Parolin said, “he was the soul of a Church that dared to open its heart more widely to the world.”
True to the way he lived, Pope Francis requested to be buried with no regal titles, no lavish garments, and no pomp. The Vatican confirmed he will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica, alongside previous pontiffs, in a quiet and dignified ceremony reflecting his deep commitment to simplicity and humility.
His funeral is expected to draw leaders from around the world, with millions more joining in prayer and mourning from afar.
