Pope Francis (1936-2025) passed away on Monday as reported by the Vatican, which stated he died from complications arising from a stroke, ultimately leading to a coma and cardiocirculatory collapse. The 88-year-old pontiff had struggled with various health issues, including Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which elevated his risk for such medical emergencies. Additionally, he suffered from bronchiectasis, a chronic lung ailment that can leave patients vulnerable to infections.
Medical experts explained that a stroke's onset can often be attributed to factors such as clotting or bleeding in the brain. In Francis's case, his recent five-week hospitalization for pneumonia aggravated his underlying bronchiectasis. Dr. Burton Dickey from MD Anderson Cancer Center remarked on how infections could complicate bronchiectasis and lead to severe consequences, including increased blood clot risks and potential strokes.
The Vatican's announcement clarified that the stroke led to a cardiocirculatory collapse, an event marking the cessation of heart and lung function, as described by Dr. Michelle Kittleson, a cardiology professor at Cedars-Sinai. Experts noted the various pathways through which a stroke can precipitate such a collapse, including affecting brain regions responsible for heart control or resulting in brain swelling that compromises bodily functions.
The death of Pope Francis has ushered in a wave of mourning, with many gathering in St. Peter's Square to commemorate his contributions to the global Catholic community and reflect on his transformative papacy.
