Less than a full day after the world was shaken by news of Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican released official confirmation and new details surrounding his final moments. St. Peter’s Square, which had only recently echoed with cheers during the Pope’s Easter blessing, was now filled with tearful pilgrims, rosaries in hand, offering prayers beneath the very balcony where he had last appeared.

According to the Vatican’s official report, Pope Francis suffered a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and was followed by what they described as an “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.” The cause of death was confirmed not to be related to his earlier respiratory illnesses, which had been the focus of public concern in the months leading up to his passing.

Images from his earlier public appearance leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23, 2025, were still fresh in many people’s minds. The Pope had spent nearly six weeks there, receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs. Throughout his stay, he was supported by high-flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation, alternating between day and night. Despite his condition, he remained committed to his spiritual role — conducting Masses from his hospital room and even marking the 12th anniversary of his election with a modest celebration among his caregivers.

As pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday, tributes poured in from around the world. Some mourners draped themselves in Argentine flags, honoring the Pope’s heritage, while others stood in silent reverence, gazing at the now-empty balcony. “I am sad,” said one woman through tears. “He was very, very important.”

The spontaneous applause that followed the rosary service became a gesture of farewell for a pontiff who had guided the Church through a transformative decade. He had never shied away from confronting difficult issues, from calling out corruption to embracing society’s most marginalized. His death at age 88 marked the end of an era defined by compassion, humility, and reform.

On Easter Sunday, April 20 — just one day before his passing — Pope Francis made what would be his final public appearance. Though still visibly frail, he surprised many by emerging onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the Easter Mass, which had been led by Cardinal Angelo Comastri. Greeted with chants of “Viva il Papa!” and thunderous applause, the Pope smiled, waved, and delivered a brief but heartfelt message: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”

Later that day, he climbed aboard the Popemobile and rode through the crowd, blessing babies and offering waves of gratitude. It was a powerful moment of connection between the Pope and his people — a final act of presence, despite his fragile health. Photos of him in his wheelchair, flanked by aides and attendants, revealed not weakness, but extraordinary strength of spirit.

Earlier that morning, he had also met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. The meeting, though short, was described as warm and meaningful — a simple Easter greeting shared between two men who had often disagreed on policy but shared common faith. The Pope gave Easter eggs to Vance’s children and offered his blessing before returning to rest.

On the morning of April 21, the Pope reportedly awoke around 6 a.m., but by 7 a.m., he had taken a sudden turn. Within 30 minutes, he slipped into a coma and passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m., surrounded by quiet and reverence inside his Vatican residence. At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell officially announced his death, stating, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”

By that evening, a formal rite was held to certify his death and prepare his body for viewing. His remains were placed in a coffin inside the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. The ceremony, conducted under Cardinal Farrell’s supervision, lasted just under an hour. Vatican officials also sealed the Pope’s private apartment in the Apostolic Palace and his living quarters at Casa Santa Marta.