Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 after suffering a cerebral stroke that left him in a coma and led to irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has announced.
The official death certificate confirms the pontiff fell into a coma before passing away. Alongside the announcement, the Vatican released his final testament, in which he requested a humble burial — directly in the ground, without any elaborate decoration — with a simple inscription that reads “Franciscus.”
Departing from centuries-old tradition, the Pope expressed his wish to be laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica, where many of his predecessors are buried.
According to a Vatican spokesperson, his coffin may be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday morning to allow members of the public to pay their respects.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis faced persistent health challenges. As a young man, he had part of a lung removed due to illness, and respiratory issues followed him into old age. On February 14, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome with severe breathing difficulties. His condition worsened into double pneumonia, resulting in a 38-day hospital stay — the longest of his 12-year pontificate.
Despite his fragile state, the Pope appeared in public on Easter Sunday — just a day before his death — offering blessings to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Earlier that day, he met privately with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican, exchanging Easter greetings.
News of his death was met with solemn reverence across Rome, with church bells ringing out from towers throughout the city shortly after the announcement.
Francis made history as the first pope from Latin America, gaining global recognition for his modest approach to leadership and his advocacy for the poor. He also sparked debate with his outspoken positions on capitalism and climate change, drawing both admiration and criticism during his time as leader of the Catholic Church.
A week-long period of national mourning has been declared in Argentina, his country of birth, as well as in Brazil, where Catholicism remains deeply rooted.
While the Vatican has yet to confirm a specific date for the funeral, it is expected to take place between Friday and Sunday. The College of Cardinals is scheduled to meet on Tuesday and may decide the official funeral timetable at that time.
Tributes have poured in from around the world, including from the British royal family. King Charles III, who met the Pope earlier this month during a state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla, described the late pontiff as someone who “profoundly touched the lives of so many.” The monarch said he and the queen were “deeply saddened” by the news and were grateful to have visited him recently.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid homage to the late Pope, describing him as “a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden, and the forgotten.”
