Pope Francis died of stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican says

The pope's spiritual testament has been published by the Vatican.

Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released on Monday.

The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early on Monday.

He asked to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, according to a Vatican statement.

He wanted be near his favourite icon of the Madonna.

He asked to be buried "in the ground, without particular decoration" but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

He also arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover the costs of the burial, the statement said.

The pope's spiritual testament has been published by the Vatican.

Dated 29 June 2022, nearly three years ago, it spells out how he wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major).

"As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major..."

Pope Francis' spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, has been published, giving indications for his burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.https://t.co/8KH3Yi2cF1

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025