Pope Francis died on April 21 following a stroke and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has confirmed. In an official statement, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Vatican’s Directorate of Health and Hygiene, issued the medical certification of death, citing stroke and cardiocirculatory collapse as the primary causes.
The Pope, who had a medical history including acute respiratory failure from pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, hypertension, and Type II diabetes, was confirmed dead through electrocardiographic thanatography. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he served as the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and was known for championing progressive reforms and advocating for social justice. His passing closes a significant chapter in Church history, deeply felt across the world, including by Kenya’s Catholic faithful.
