Italian media outlets have reported a possible cause of death for Pope Francis, stating the pontiff suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, potentially a stroke. According to La Repubblica and La Stampa, the hemorrhage was not directly linked to the respiratory issues and pneumonia that had plagued him earlier in the year.
Pope Francis passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after a lifetime devoted to God and the Catholic Church, the Vatican announced.
Despite dealing with recurring health challenges—including chronic lung disease and limited mobility—the Pope remained active until his final weeks. In September 2024, he embarked on a 12-day apostolic journey to Southeast Asia and Oceania, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore.
The pontiff had been hospitalized on February 14 with a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, resulting in a 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital—his longest hospitalization during his 12-year papacy.
While doctors recommended at least two months of rest following his discharge, Pope Francis continued to make surprise public appearances, including Masses and visits to St. Peter’s Basilica, signaling hope for recovery among the faithful.
One of his physicians later revealed that Francis had experienced “two very critical episodes” during his hospital stay that put his life at risk. Yet, the Pope remained determined not to be confined to his residence at Casa Santa Marta.
In the week before his death, he was seen in public without the nasal cannula he had used for oxygen support, further reassuring many of his apparent improvement.
Just one day before his passing, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday to bless the crowd, a moment that would become his final public act.
