Pope Francis Dead: Is His Cause of Death Known?

The cause of death for Pope Francis has not yet been released. However, the Vatican confirmed his death at age 88 in an April 21, 2025, video statement. And the pontiff was released from the hospital less than one month before his death after respiratory problems stemming from a "double bout of pneumonia."

"At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words: 'Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,'" the Vatican wrote in a statement.

Pope Francis suffered a number of health problems throughout his lifetime. According to CNN, he had a lung removed as a youth and went to the hospital for bronchitis in February with pneumonia in his lungs.

After leaving the hospital, the Pope had "respiratory difficulties and underwent physiotherapy to help regain his voice," CNN reported. He also had "mild heart issues" throughout his life, according to News.com.au, including an irregular heartbeat and a torn ligament that put him in a wheelchair. The Pontiff suffered episodes of "acute respiratory failure" this spring and was released from the hospital on March 23, according to ABC News.

He required "noninvasive mechanical ventilation" to breathe in the weeks before he died, ABC News reported.

The statement from the Vatican revealed the Pope's time of death..

 "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," it read. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

According to the Vatican, "In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, we explore his desire to engage all Catholics so that every person feels welcomed and loved by the Church, and how the Synods he convoked guided the Church’s focus on various topics, culminating in the Synod on Synodality."

The Vatican added: "As the Holy Father said in a letter to the Theology Faculty of Triveneto in northern Italy, Catholics are called to transmit Christ's message worldwide in a way that respects and treasures the traditions of the past, but also remains open to the signs of the times."

According to CNN, Francis’ "final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on the other side of the River Tiber in Rome."

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