Media Unveils First Theories Regarding the Causes of Pope Francis’s Death
Global news agencies have reported initial information that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis. According to preliminary conclusions, the main cause of the pontiff’s fatal end could have been a stroke — a sudden disruption of blood flow in the brain, which led to serious health complications. Sources close to the church hierarchy and the context, citing the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera, indicate that the Holy See will officially announce the final cause of the pontiff’s death within the next few hours. Meanwhile, another Italian news agency, ANSA, referencing sources familiar with the situation, states that the cause of death was a brain hemorrhage that occurred suddenly and without apparent warning signs. As reported during the interval between official statements, Pope Francis passed away early Monday morning, April 21, at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence — Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. It is noted that his death was sudden and not directly related to respiratory conditions or other health problems typical for elderly individuals. At the time of his passing, the pontiff was still an active spiritual leader, although, given his age — nearly 89 — his physical condition was no longer as stable. The background of these events is quite telling: on the eve, during the Easter joy on April 20, Pope Francis attended a liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica, meeting with the faithful. However, on medical advice, he did not participate in the traditional Easter Mass at the Vatican to avoid possible complications. Nonetheless, at the end of the ceremony, he appeared on the balcony for all the faithful with a brief message "Urbi et Orbi" (“To the City and the World”), which was read on his behalf by Cardinal Angelo Comastri. According to medical experts, this appearance was purely symbolic and did not imply active participation in official duties due to his health condition. It is known that Pope Francis’s condition over the recent months had raised concerns due to weakness and chronic illnesses, but no one predicted loss of consciousness or the suddenness of his death. The international reaction was swift: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed sincere condolences and noted that millions of believers worldwide mourn for Francis, as his consistent and moderate activity left a mark on the hearts of many. At the highest levels, official statements and clarifications from the Vatican are still awaited, but it is already clear that the death of this venerable spiritual leader has become a significant moral and spiritual shock for the Catholic community and the entire Christian world. There is concern that further diagnostics of the causes of death will become a field for many speculations and discussions in the global media.