Pope Francis Dead at 88: Vatican Confirms Passing of Controversial Pontiff After Stroke at Casa Santa Marta
The Vatican has officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a deeply polarizing papacy that spanned more than a decade. According to Vatican officials, the Pope died Monday morning at 7:35 AM in his private residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered the announcement:
“With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis… We commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Likely Cause of Death: Cerebral Hemorrhage
While official details are still being finalized, leading Italian outlets La Repubblica and La Stampa report the likely cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage, possibly brought on by a stroke in the early hours of the morning. The incident reportedly occurred just after Pope Francis awoke for his usual morning prayer.
Sources within the Pope’s medical team say the stroke was not directly connected to his recent bout of severe respiratory illness and double pneumonia, which had hospitalized him in February. Still, doctors had strongly advised him to rest for at least two months—advice he ultimately ignored.
Francis made a lengthy public appearance during Easter Sunday Mass, which may have worsened his already fragile health.
A Lifetime of Respiratory Struggles
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had long suffered from chronic respiratory conditions. In 1957, while still in Argentina, he underwent surgery to remove part of one lung following a severe infection.
As Pope, his condition resurfaced multiple times, most recently leading him to cancel international visits and reduce public appearances. A November 2023 illness forced him to withdraw from a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates, and he was hospitalized again in February with bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia.
Despite these challenges, he insisted on continuing his public duties, supported by his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who played a pivotal role in his medical care during his final months.
Lying in State and Burial Plans
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, beginning as early as Wednesday. His final resting place will be at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he frequently visited and prayed during his pontificate.
The Conclave to elect the next Pope will not convene for at least 15 days, as required by Vatican tradition. Cardinals from around the world will soon begin arriving in Rome for what is expected to be a consequential and potentially contentious election.
A Divisive Legacy
While mainstream outlets are celebrating Pope Francis as a trailblazer—the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, and a global voice for the poor and marginalized—many conservative Catholics are reflecting on a pontificate marked by controversy and doctrinal uncertainty.
Francis became increasingly known for using the papal platform to promote progressive political causes, including:
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Climate change activism
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Open-border immigration policies
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Ambiguous stances on sexuality and gender ideology
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Warm relations with globalist political institutions
These moves alienated large swaths of the faithful, including traditional clergy and practicing Catholics who saw his actions as inconsistent with centuries of Church teaching.
Francis also faced frequent internal opposition from bishops and cardinals who objected to his restructuring of Church authority and perceived doctrinal laxity.
What Comes Next
The College of Cardinals will soon begin private deliberations ahead of the next papal Conclave. With the Church at a crossroads, the global Catholic community awaits the selection of a successor who may either continue Francis’s legacy or restore more traditional leadership.
As the world reflects on the life and death of Pope Francis, one thing is certain: his papacy left an indelible mark—both celebrated and contested—on the modern Catholic Church.
