The world was shaken by the news of the passing of the head of the Catholic Church, a man revered by millions for his humility and dedication to the less fortunate.
His death, which came after a lifetime of health battles, has now been confirmed to have been caused by a stroke, leading to a coma and ‘irreversible’ heart failure.
This revelation dispels earlier speculations that his demise was due to respiratory complications following a bout with pneumonia.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was 88 years old at his death. His final moments occurred in his Vatican apartment at the Santa Marta residence, where he was found to have succumbed to ‘cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,’ as stated on his death certificate.
He got up when his alarm rang at 6 a.m., became unwell at 7 a.m., and passed away from a stroke at 7:35 a.m., as reported by Corriere della Sera.
This document, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, the director of health of the Vatican City State, also noted that the pontiff had previously suffered from acute respiratory failure during his hospitalisation for double pneumonia.
The term’ double pneumonia’ refers to an infection that inflames the air sacs in both lungs, leading to fluid or pus accumulation and making breathing difficult.
This condition, along with a history of other health issues, including arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectases, and Type 2 diabetes—a detail not widely known until now—painted a picture of a man who had faced numerous medical challenges throughout his life.
Pope Francis’ health struggles date back to his youth when, at the age of 21, he had part of a lung removed due to a severe infection.
Chronic sciatica, a painful nerve condition, often made walking difficult for him, leading to occasional event cancellations or visible discomfort during lengthy ceremonies.
Reports also indicated that he had mild heart issues, including an irregular heartbeat, though these were generally well-managed.
As he advanced into his late 80s, mobility became more challenging, and Pope Francis was often seen in a wheelchair due to joint problems, knee pain, and a torn ligament in the knee, compounded by chronic osteoarthritis.
In July 2021, he underwent colon surgery to address diverticulitis, a common condition among the elderly that can cause pain and inflammation.
In his final years, Pope Francis faced recurrent respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia, which likely contributed to his declining health.
His last hospital stay lasted 38 days, after which he made a surprise public appearance on 20 April, Easter Sunday, blessing the crowds in Vatican City just hours before his death the following morning.
Despite his health issues, Pope Francis maintained a busy schedule until his final weeks. In September 2024, he embarked on a 12-day tour across South-East Asia and Oceania, visiting countries such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore.
The Vatican announced his passing with a poignant video statement, expressing deep sorrow and highlighting his life’s dedication to serving the Lord and His Church.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying, ‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.’
Australian leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis
The 2021 Census revealed that more than 5.1 million Australians, accounting for 20 per cent of the population, identify as Catholic, underscoring the profound impact of the Pope’s death on the country.
During a day of campaigning in Melbourne, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paused to address the nation from St Patrick’s Cathedral.
His words were a balm to the grieving hearts of many Australian Catholics as he prepared himself with a sip of water before delivering an emotional tribute to the 266th pontiff—the first Pope from the southern hemisphere.
‘For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father,’ Albanese said.
‘The memory and example of his compassion will long endure as we mourn his death.’
The nation watched as a visibly moved Albanese spoke of the late Pope’s final Easter homily: ‘The light quietly shines forth even though we are in darkness. The promise of new life and a world finally set free awaits us, and a new beginning, however impossible it might seem, can take us by surprise, for Christ has triumphed over death.’
In a gesture of respect and mourning, Mr. Albanese announced that all flags at Parliament House would fly at half-mast the following Tuesday.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Pope’s life of service and humility, noting his embodiment of Christ’s values of mercy and forgiveness.
He recalled the Pope’s words from his last Christmas address: ‘God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot. It tears down every wall of division. God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge with God.’
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Reverend Anthony Fisher praised him, saying he is a ‘Pope of many firsts’.
‘As priest, bishop and Pope, he embodied Christ’s command to care for all people, especially the most vulnerable. He was a Pope of many firsts. He was the first to take the name “Francis”, the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pontiff in more than a millennium,’ he said.
Sandie Cornish, a lecturer at the Australian Catholic University, spoke of Pope Francis’ revitalisation of Catholic teaching and his paradigm shift towards environmental stewardship.
‘One particular memory I have was when I went to Rome for a meeting when I had just buried my mother, and I was there the following week for a meeting. When I went to shake his hand in the line of people meeting him, he immediately said to me, “My condolences on the death of your mum.”
‘That he knew that she had died and that he cared was really quite remarkable.’
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said his death would be deeply felt by Catholics and people of goodwill worldwide.
He noted that Pope Francis’s openness and inclusivity sometimes sparked fears of compromising the Church’s integrity, but his papacy was marked by a call for the Church to welcome everyone.
As the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul, will represent Australia at the conclave.
Election campaigns halted
In a rare moment of unity and reflection, the Australian political landscape has come to a sudden and sombre pause. Both sides of politics have taken a step back from their fervent campaigning to honour the memory of a global religious leader who touched the lives of millions.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton suspended his campaign activities, stating that ‘today is not the right time for big politicking.’
The Prime Minister followed suit, cancelling several events after attending a St Patrick’s Cathedral mass to pay his respects. The leaders of the Nationals and the Greens have also expressed their condolences, demonstrating that some moments transcend political divides.
Pope Francis’s death coincides with the opening of early voting in Australia, a time when candidates typically ramp up their efforts to sway voters.
However, the third leaders’ debate, which Channel Nine was to host, has been overshadowed by the day’s sombre news.
How did his teachings and actions impact your life? What will you remember most about his papacy? Share your reflections and stories below.
Also read: Ailing but unwavering: The latest on Pope Francis’ health crisis
