Pope Succumbs to Stroke and Heart Failure, Officials Say

On April 21, the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis succumbed to a stroke, leading to a coma and irreversible heart failure. He died at 7:35 a.m. in his Domus Sanctae Marthae residence, aged 88. Dr. Andrew Arcangeli confirmed his passing amid ongoing ailments, including bronchiectasis and diabetes. Following more than a month of hospitalization for severe pneumonia, his health declined dramatically. Initially, details regarding his death were kept private. Public viewings are scheduled for April 23 in St. Peter’s Square, preceding his interment at St. Mary Major Basilica, marked with the simple epitaph: "Franciscus."