Vatican Confirms the Death Of Pope Francis

When Did Pope Francis Die?

The Vatican has officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis. The beloved leader of the Catholic Church passed away on the morning of Easter Monday, April 21st, at exactly 07:35 local time. His death has left millions across the world heartbroken. For many, he was more than just the Pope. He was a voice of compassion and a symbol of humility.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope and the first to come from the Jesuit order. His reign brought a new kind of leadership to the Vatican. One that made room for the poor, the rejected, and the misunderstood.

Pope Francis Battled Serious Illness Before His Death

Before his death, Pope Francis had been facing multiple health challenges. The Vatican confirmed that he was suffering from a severe respiratory infection. This infection affected both lungs and placed him on high-flow oxygen therapy to support his breathing.

Alongside the respiratory issue, doctors also discovered early-stage kidney failure. This condition was already putting strain on his health. The Pope was receiving care at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Although his condition was described as stable, it remained critical.

Doctors had reported slight improvements in his anemia, but his kidney function continued to show signs of stress. Even though he remained mentally alert, his body was clearly under intense pressure. The Pope was reassessed frequently, but his condition kept shifting.

Pope Francis' Appearance A Day Before His Death

What has shocked many is the fact that Pope Francis was seen in public a day before his death. He stood in St Peter’s Square to deliver his Easter message. His voice was calm, his face was lit up with a smile, and he seemed stable.

That appearance gave many people the belief that he had fully recovered. But behind that moment was a man still fighting for his life. His health struggles were not visible on the outside. But they were real. And they were serious.

Pope Francis brought a different kind of energy into the Catholic Church. He was known for his openness and his passion for justice. He paid attention to climate change and pushed for environmental protection. His 2015 encyclical, *Laudato Si’*, called on the world to care for the earth like a common home.

He also took bold steps towards reform. During his papacy, women held higher roles within the Vatican than ever before. Divorced and remarried Catholics were allowed to receive communion under specific conditions. He softened the church’s position on LGBTQ members and made it clear that his duty was not to judge, but to love.

Tributes Continue to Pour In After The Pope's Death

Since the news broke, world leaders have been paying tribute to the late Pope. French President Emmanuel Macron described him as “a man of humility.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the news left them deeply saddened. Others spoke of his contagious smile, his ability to listen, and his passion for the forgotten.

These tributes reflect the deep impact of his leadership. He did not rule with fear. He led with presence. And that is what people will remember.

Cause of Pope Francis' Death Is Linked To His Ongoing Health Crisis

Although the Vatican is yet to officially release the cause of death, it is strongly believed that his passing was a result of his recent illness. His struggle with pneumonia and early kidney failure had already placed a lot of strain on his body. These were not mild conditions. They were being carefully managed, but they were serious.

His medical team was doing everything possible. But the mix of infection, kidney stress, and anemia made recovery harder. While we wait for the final confirmation from the Vatican, it is safe to say that his death is connected to these ongoing health problems.