Less than a full day after the world was shaken by news of Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican released official confirmation and new details surrounding his final moments. St. Peter’s Square, which had only recently echoed with cheers during the Pope’s Easter blessing, was now filled with tearful pilgrims, rosaries in hand, offering prayers beneath the very balcony where he had last appeared.

According to the Vatican’s official report, Pope Francis suffered a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and was followed by what they described as an “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.” The cause of death was confirmed not to be related to his earlier respiratory illnesses, which had been the focus of public concern in the months leading up to his passing.

Images from his earlier public appearance leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23, 2025, were still fresh in many people’s minds. The Pope had spent nearly six weeks there, receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs. Throughout his stay, he was supported by high-flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation, alternating between day and night. Despite his condition, he remained committed to his spiritual role — conducting Masses from his hospital room and even marking the 12th anniversary of his election with a modest celebration among his caregivers.

As pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday, tributes poured in from around the world. Some mourners draped themselves in Argentine flags, honoring the Pope’s heritage, while others stood in silent reverence, gazing at the now-empty balcony. “I am sad,” said one woman through tears. “He was very, very important.”

The spontaneous applause that followed the rosary service became a gesture of farewell for a pontiff who had guided the Church through a transformative decade. He had never shied away from confronting difficult issues, from calling out corruption to embracing society’s most marginalized. His death at age 88 marked the end of an era defined by compassion, humility, and reform.

On Easter Sunday, April 20 — just one day before his passing — Pope Francis made what would be his final public appearance. Though still visibly frail, he surprised many by emerging onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the Easter Mass, which had been led by Cardinal Angelo Comastri. Greeted with chants of “Viva il Papa!” and thunderous applause, the Pope smiled, waved, and delivered a brief but heartfelt message: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”

Later that day, he climbed aboard the Popemobile and rode through the crowd, blessing babies and offering waves of gratitude. It was a powerful moment of connection between the Pope and his people — a final act of presence, despite his fragile health. Photos of him in his wheelchair, flanked by aides and attendants, revealed not weakness, but extraordinary strength of spirit.

Earlier that morning, he had also met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. The meeting, though short, was described as warm and meaningful — a simple Easter greeting shared between two men who had often disagreed on policy but shared common faith. The Pope gave Easter eggs to Vance’s children and offered his blessing before returning to rest.

On the morning of April 21, the Pope reportedly awoke around 6 a.m., but by 7 a.m., he had taken a sudden turn. Within 30 minutes, he slipped into a coma and passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m., surrounded by quiet and reverence inside his Vatican residence. At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell officially announced his death, stating, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”

By that evening, a formal rite was held to certify his death and prepare his body for viewing. His remains were placed in a coffin inside the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. The ceremony, conducted under Cardinal Farrell’s supervision, lasted just under an hour. Vatican officials also sealed the Pope’s private apartment in the Apostolic Palace and his living quarters at Casa Santa Marta.

Beginning on April 23, the Pope’s body will lie in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to offer their final respects. Plans for the funeral and burial are still underway, but early reports indicate that Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome — a departure from the tradition of interring popes beneath St. Peter’s. He had expressed his wish to rest near the revered icon of the Virgin Mary known as Salus Populi Romani, a symbol of devotion throughout his papacy.

Just weeks earlier, Pope Francis had made a private and rare appearance inside St. Peter’s Basilica, dressed not in his papal robes but in simple black pants and a striped covering. Captured in a widely circulated video, he was seen wearing an oxygen cannula and being wheeled through the marble halls — a quiet, intimate moment that sparked deep conversation among Catholics and observers worldwide. While some expressed concern about his appearance and attire, many saw it as a final expression of the humility he embodied throughout his life.

Online reactions to his passing have ranged from heartfelt grief to deep reflection. “Rest in Peace, as you well deserve,” one person wrote. Another added, “He changed the Church forever.” Others were struck by the timing — how he smiled to the world on Easter Sunday, only to leave it quietly the next morning.

As the Vatican prepares for the transition ahead, the memory of Pope Francis’ final days continues to resonate. In those last hours — waving from a balcony, blessing babies, and saying goodbye to his caregivers — he offered a closing chapter that echoed the essence of his papacy: presence, peace, and service.

The days ahead will bring mourning and ceremony, but also celebration of a life that touched millions. Pope Francis leaves behind more than just reforms or policies. He leaves behind a way of being — one rooted in simplicity, compassion, and quiet courage.