Pope Francis dies at 88 from stroke complications

The Vatican released a formal statement on Saturday, April 21, confirming the death of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, died at 7:35 am in his apartment at the Domus Sanctae Marthae due to a stroke and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.

The cause of death was attributed to complications from previous health issues including an episode of acute respiratory failure, bilateral multimicrobial pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes.

Past midnight on Tuesday, April 22 (Manila time), the Vatican released a medical certificate signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of Health and Hygiene for Vatican City State, certifying the causes of death based on electrocardio-anatomical recording.

Pope Francis's passing marks a significant event in the Catholic Church, with his health having been monitored closely over recent years due to these underlying conditions.