Pope Francis died following a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican confirmed in its official medical report. 

Pope, 88, was the first person of Latin American origin to become the leader of the Catholic Church.

A cerebral stroke happens when a portion of the brain’s blood supply is cut off or blocked, depriving the brain’s tissue of oxygen and nutrients. A blood clot (ischaemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel that causes brain hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke) may be the cause of this.

Earlier on February 14, Pope Francis had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after developing double pneumonia as a result of a severe respiratory infection. He received respiratory physiotherapy and high-flow oxygen therapy from the doctors, but his condition remained critical. He also had high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease, according to the Vatican.

Pope Francis’s health deteriorated in the last few weeks, despite some encouraging signs. The Vatican’s official statement said his lung infection had nothing to do with the stroke that killed him. 

Irreversible heart failure

When the heart can no longer adequately pump blood to meet the body’s needs, it is referred to as irreversible heart failure. The damage to the heart muscle is irreversible.  Chronic high blood pressure, and other cardiac conditions are some of the causes. 

According to the Vatican report,  medical officers used “Electrocardiographic Thanatography,” to confirm the pope’s demise. This is essentially a test that records the electrical signals from heart using sticky patches called electrodes applied to one’s skin. The signals, which appear as waves on a screen or piece of paper, help physicians see how the heart is functioning. This test is more popularly known as an EKG or ECG in layman’s language.

During his final weeks, Pope Francis kept up his spiritual responsibilities as best he could, working and praying from his hospital room. Catholics around the world, who had been keeping tabs on his health and praying for his recovery, were shocked to learn of his passing.

The Vatican said funeral arrangements will be announced soon. World leaders and faithful are expected to gather in Rome to pay their respects.

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