Pope Francis survived pneumonia, report reveals likely cause of death

Pope Francis breathed his last on April 21, almost a month after he surprised medical experts with his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia. Pope Francis’ death, in all probability, was not linked to a respiratory issue but was a result of a cerebral haemorrhage (a stroke), according to ANSA, Italy’s leading news agency.

Citing well-informed sources, ANSA said, “One of the possible causes of Pope Francis’ death was a cerebral haemorrhage”.

Pope Francis spent nearly five weeks in hospital because of pneumonia and was discharged on March 23.

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, told the media that the exact cause of Pope Francis’ death would most likely be disclosed “this evening” (Vatican time).

Pope Francis, despite illness, appeared in a wheelchair on Sunday. In his last message, he emphasised the importance of freedom and peace at a time when the world is witnessing several conflicts on a large scale.

He highlighted the importance of freedom of religion and expression, stating that they were essential for world peace.

In February this year, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with a respiratory tract infection that turned into pneumonia in both lungs.

After more than a month of treatment and monitoring, he was discharged and returned to his residence at the Vatican to recover.

His death was confirmed earlier today by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo.

In a statement, he announced that Pope Francis passed away at 07:35 local time on Easter Monday morning. Tributes and messages of condolence soon began arriving from around the world.