Pope Francis, at the age of 88, passed away on Easter Monday due to a sudden stroke combined with cardiac arrest, as announced by the Vatican.
According to reporting from Fox News’ Alex Hogan, the Pope experienced a stroke early in the morning of April 21st. This was followed by a period of induced coma and ultimately, a fatal heart attack. His death represents the culmination of years marked by significant health challenges. Notably, he had recently undergone hospitalization for a severe case of double pneumonia.
“**POPE FRANCIS DEAD AT 88 YEARS OLD**” – the official announcement conveyed from his residence within the Chapel of St. Martha.
Throughout his twelve-year tenure as Pope, Francis championed numerous causes, including advocating for the rights of migrants, addressing concerns surrounding climate change, and promoting inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals, as Hogan detailed. Just the day before his passing, he engaged in a meeting with Vice President JD Vance within Vatican City.
The circumstances surrounding his death were further underscored by a recent respiratory illness. While the hospitalization related to bilateral pneumonia generated considerable concern regarding his health status, the subsequent stroke proved unexpected for many of his devoted followers.
“Stroke is injury to the brain from impairment of blood flow,” explained Dr. Sandeep Kumar, a neurologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “A normal blood supply is vital for the brain to function normally and for the preservation of its structure. Interruption of the blood flow deprives the affected parts of the brain from receiving oxygen and other nutrients, with the result that these tissues start disintegrating rapidly.”
The American Stroke Association identifies stroke as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a primary driver of disability. There are two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes – accounting for approximately 87% of all cases – occur when a cerebral artery is blocked, typically by a blood clot or plaque. As Dr. Kumar stated, “Blood flow to the brain can be compromised when … a cerebral artery is blocked off either by a blood clot or a plaque.” In contrast, hemorrhagic strokes involve the rupture of a blood vessel within the brain, resulting in internal bleeding and potential damage to surrounding tissues.
“Bleeding can directly damage brain cells or deprive the surrounding tissues of receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients,” Dr. Kumar added.
The news of Pope Francis’s death has prompted reflection on the critical importance of maintaining healthy blood flow to the brain—a factor frequently disrupted by conditions like stroke, which dramatically impacts neurological function. Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report for Fox News Digital.
