How did Pope Francis die? Cause of death revealed as tributes pour in from actors and celebrities

Pope Francis passed away at the Vatican on April 21, 2025, during early morning hours at the age of 88. According to an official statement from the Vatican's press office, the pope died from a stroke and irreversible heart failure. He fell into a coma shortly before his passing.

His death was confirmed later that evening by Andrea Arcangeli, the director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of Vatican City State. The late pope had been battling multiple serious health conditions, including a recent respiratory infection, type II diabetes, and arterial hypertension.

According to USA Today, earlier this year, Francis had been diagnosed with renal insufficiency and underwent several bronchoscopies to clear his airways. His frailty and poor respiratory function contributed to a decline in his health.

As reported by USA Today, despite his deteriorating condition, Pope Francis appeared before the faithful one last time on Easter Sunday, April 20. In his brief Easter Sunday mass address, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

He waved to thousands who had gathered at St. Peter's Square in Rome for the traditional Easter Mass. "Viva il Papa!" the crowd cheered as he stopped along the square, smiling and blessing the people.

He also met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance that day, marking his last formal diplomatic meeting.

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Pope Francis' final weeks and legacy honored by global tributes from celebrities and leaders

Pope Francis' health had been deteriorating for months before his death. He was admitted to a Rome hospital on February 14 after canceling several appearances due to breathing issues. Doctors later diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia, stemming from an earlier respiratory infection that had developed into a polymicrobial infection in both lungs, as reported by USA Today.

According to USA Today, multiple instances of acute respiratory failure and bronchospasms occurred while Pope Francis spent time in the hospital for five weeks, at which point medical staff considered letting him pass peacefully.

He was discharged from the hospital on March 23 and continued his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta residence. Though frail, the pope remained active, leading Vatican operations from his quarters and even participating in public ceremonies during Holy Week.

On March 5, he missed the Ash Wednesday service, but made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, greeting the crowd in his popemobile outside St. Peter's Basilica. In his address, he called for a ceasefire in Gaza and said, “I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”

As news of Pope Francis' passing spread, celebrities and world leaders began offering tributes. Actor Antonio Banderas posted a photo shaking hands with the late pope, calling him "A man who showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people.”

Whoopi Goldberg shared a heartfelt message: "He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none believer."

Eva Longoria posted a simple photo of Francis with a praying hands emoji. Russell Crowe shared a picture of Rome's skyline, writing, "A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful."

King Charles of the United Kingdom also released a statement with Queen Camilla, describing Pope Francis as a man of "compassion" and "tireless commitment" to people of faith and goodwill.

The late pope was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He became the 266th pope in 2013. As per the BBC, he was the eldest of five children, and his parents had fled their native Italy to escape the evils of fascism.

Pope Francis was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first non-European pope in over a thousand years. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing humility and care for the poor.