Pope Francis, the 88-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and eventual heart failure, the Vatican officially confirmed on Monday.
His death came less than a month after being discharged from a five-week hospital stay, during which he was treated for a severe case of pneumonia.
The news, which was met with shock and sorrow across the world, was formally announced in the evening by the Holy See Press Office. The cause of death, as stated on the official certificate signed by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, was a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse — in simpler terms, heart failure.
The Pope, who had visibly battled health problems in recent years, died peacefully on Monday morning at the Vatican. His condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend, with doctors noting he suffered a massive stroke that left him unconscious before his heart eventually failed.
Dr. Arcangeli, in the death certificate made public, detailed the Pope’s medical history, which included acute respiratory failure, multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, and multiple bronchiectases — a condition affecting the lungs and airways.
These underlying health issues, the Vatican said, contributed to his inability to recover from the stroke and heart complications.
The final confirmation of death was made using electrocardiographic thanatography, a method used to verify cardiac death through heart monitoring.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. He was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to become Pontiff. Known for his humility, simplicity, and progressive views, he quickly became one of the most influential and beloved religious figures in the world.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his firm stand on social justice, climate change, poverty, and migration. He frequently called for peace and dialogue among world religions and was respected for his openness and efforts to bring the Church closer to the poor and marginalized.
He also led efforts to reform the Vatican’s bureaucracy and improve transparency in the Church’s finances, although his leadership faced criticism in some quarters for how the Church handled cases of sexual abuse.
The Pope had been battling health issues for several years. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery and had difficulty walking, often using a wheelchair in public appearances. In early 2024, he was hospitalized for double pneumonia — a condition where both lungs become infected and inflamed — and remained in care for over a month before being discharged.
While Vatican officials tried to assure the public that the Pope was recovering well, he had scaled back on many public engagements and had increasingly delegated duties to other senior cardinals and bishops.
His health struggles became more evident in recent months, as he appeared more fragile and tired during public Masses and audiences. Still, he remained mentally sharp and continued to meet dignitaries, deliver addresses, and issue official church documents.
World leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens have begun to express their condolences. Messages of sympathy are pouring in from all corners of the globe — from the United States to Nigeria, from Europe to Asia — with many praising the Pope’s legacy and moral leadership.
Catholic churches across Nigeria have begun offering special prayers and holding vigils in his memory. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) is expected to issue a formal statement, while the Vatican prepares for an official period of mourning.
President Bola Tinubu, in a brief statement released by his spokesperson, described Pope Francis as “a peacemaker and a global voice of reason in troubled times.” He also expressed condolences to the global Catholic community, including Nigeria’s large Catholic population.
According to Vatican tradition, a Pope’s death triggers a formal mourning period and sets in motion the process of selecting a new Pontiff. The College of Cardinals, a group of senior Catholic leaders from around the world, will gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave, where they will elect the next Pope.
For now, the Church enters a time of solemn reflection. Flags will fly at half-mast, and a funeral Mass will be scheduled within days. Pope Francis will likely be buried at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where many past Popes have been laid to rest.
Details of the funeral and the conclave are expected to be released by the Vatican in the coming hours.
Pope Francis enjoyed a close relationship with the Nigerian Catholic community. He frequently spoke out against the rising insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the North, where Christians and Muslims alike have been victims of extremist violence. He called for peace during the #EndSARS protests and sent messages of support to Nigerian youths.
His messages of inclusiveness and mercy resonated with millions of Nigerian faithful, and he appointed several Nigerian bishops to key positions within the Church. Under his leadership, Nigerian clergy became more visible on the global Catholic stage.
Nigerian Catholics remember him for his prayers for kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, his solidarity during crises, and his respect for African voices within the Church.
As the world comes to terms with the passing of one of the most impactful Popes in modern times, many will remember Pope Francis not just for his religious office, but for his compassion, wisdom, and tireless advocacy for peace and human dignity.
He leaves behind a legacy that touched the lives of Catholics and non-Catholics alike, in Nigeria and across the world.
