Pope Francis dies after stroke and cardiac arrest

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away in his apartment at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, due to a stroke that led to cardiac arrest. His health had been in decline for several years, and he had recently suffered from double pneumonia, which had raised concerns about his well-being. The Vatican announced his death shortly after the event, confirming that the Pope had gone into a coma following the stroke before ultimately succumbing to irreversible heart failure. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. As the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the office, he emphasized various social issues during his papacy, particularly advocating for migrant rights, climate change awareness, and LGBTQ inclusion. His approach was often seen as progressive, which made him a notable figure both within the Catholic Church and in the broader global community. In the days leading up to his death, Pope Francis had met with various officials, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Following his passing, tributes from world leaders and faithful Catholics poured in, reflecting on his legacy and contributions to peace and justice worldwide. The Vatican organized a ceremonial service, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting head following the Pope's death, who presided over the certification of death and the procedural aspects of the papal funeral rites, which had been preemptively updated by Pope Francis himself in 2024. In his will, published posthumously, Pope Francis expressed his desire for simple burial arrangements, specifically to be interred in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his deep faith and hope in eternal life. His will indicated that he wished for his remains to be treated without special decorum, highlighting his humility and commitment to the teachings of the Church. The implications of his death are significant, as it opens a period of mourning and transition for the Catholic Church, with discussions regarding the election of a new pope already underway.