Pope's final blessing: Pontiff defied doctors during final hours - as cause of death listed as stroke and heart failure
by Danielle de Wolfe · LBCKing Charles and Keir Starmer react to the death of Pope Francis
By Danielle de Wolfe
Pope Francis died from a stroke and 'subsequent irreversible heart failure', the Vatican has confirmed.
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The cerebral stroke led to a subsequent coma and ultimately, irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said on Monday.
Pope Francis' death certificate, circulated by the Vatican, emerged just 12 hours after the pontiff's death was announced.
The Vatican statement following the Pope's death read: "I certify that His Holiness Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on December 17, 1936, Resident in Vatican City, Vatican Citizen, died at 7:35 am on April 21, 2025 in his apartment at the Domus Santa Marta (Vatican City) due to: stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse."
It comes as Italian media revealed that the Pope defied doctors orders to continue with Easter celebrations during his final 24 hours.
It comes as an anonymous benefactor is said to be paying for the full cost of the funeral, according to the Vatican.
Read more: Pope Francis to break with tradition as details of late Pontiff's funeral are revealed
Medical staff surrounding the Pontiff urged him to ease his schedule and avoid crowds to prevent infection in the run-up to his death.
However, in the true spirit of the Catholic leader, full compliance was not on the agenda.
Pope Francis wishes the faithful a happy Holy Week
He reportedly awoke at 6am after his alarm sounded as usual, however, he fell ill shortly after at 7am and died from a stroke at 7.35am, according to Italian outlet Corriere della Serra.
Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
It follows the Pope's hospitalisation on February 14, where he remained for 38-days after contracting double pneumonia.
Francis suffered from a chronic lung disease, with the late Pontiff having previously undergone surgery to remove one part of his lung at a young man.
It comes as further details emerged surrounding the Pope's alternative funeral wishes.
Shunning tradition, Pope Francis has instead opted for an alternative series of events to commemorate his life - echoing his groundbreaking approach to the evolution of the Catholic Church.
With the bodies of past popes displayed on a raised platform - with thousands filing past to pay their respect, Pope Francis has instead opted for a simplified funeral, instead selecting an open coffin.
He has also selected Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica as his final resting place - breaking with a tradition which has seen close to 100 Popes laid to rest in the crypts beneath St Peter's Basilica.
The Pontiff last appeared to the public on Sunday, as he delivered an Easter blessing to hundreds of worshippers.
Hours earlier, he had met with JD Vance in Rome - after previously sending his second in command to meet with the US Vice-President in recent weeks.
However, the VP is said to have continued to peruse an in-person meeting.
Speaking to the crowd later in the day, Pope Francis paid tribute to the victims of global conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as he shared a message of peace in his final public appearance.
Earlier in the day, King Charles has led tributes following the death of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic church, aged 88.
The Argentinian was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio born in Buenos Aires on the 17th of December 1936.
Seen as an outsider when he was chosen to succeed Benedict the 16th in 2013, the Argentinian was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
In a heartfelt statement, King Charles, who met the Pope just weeks ago, said: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.
"Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also delivered a message reflecting on the Pope's rule.
Paying tribute to the religious leader, Sir Keir Starmer said: "I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
"His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.
"Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.
"That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church's teachings of mercy and charity.
"With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
"My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace."