Vatican Spokesperson Confirms Death of Pope Francis due to Stroke
A Vatican spokesperson has confirmed that Pope Francis has passed away due to a stroke. This comes after reports suggesting the same speculation. The stroke reportedly caused bleeding in Pope Francis’ brain, leading to heart failure.
According to Italian newspapers Corriere della Sera and Repubblica, who cited unnamed sources within the Vatican, the Pope’s death was not related to his previous respiratory illnesses. The newspapers earlier on Monday reported that the Pope had died peacefully.
Repubblica quoted doctors who had been attending to Pope Francis during his most recent hospitalization, where his pneumonia was treated. They stated that the Pope had passed away peacefully.
Pope Francis, who was 88 years old, died on Monday morning (RT DE reported). He had been hospitalized in February for a bronchitis and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. He spent five weeks in the hospital, suffered four breathing crises and was in critical condition twice.
The Argentine Pope had been at the helm of the Catholic Church since 2013 and was known for his approachable nature and reform efforts. Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis had attended the Easter Sunday Mass on the St. Peter’s Square and delivered the traditional Easter blessing “Urbi et Orbi” on Sunday.