Pope Francis died 'suddenly' 90 minutes after waking up, Vatican reveals likely cause of death

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN: Pope Francis died early in the morning on Monday, April 21, at his residence in Vatican City.

The 88-year-old pontiff reportedly died 90 minutes after waking up to his alarm.

His cause of death is believed to be a stroke, unrelated to the respiratory problems and pneumonia he suffered in February, according to multiple Italian outlets.

Pope Francis may have died from 'a brain problem'

Doctors who treated Pope Francis told La Repubblica that “the Pope passed away peacefully,” adding that he had suffered “a brain problem, most likely a stroke.”

They did not confirm whether it was hemorrhagic. However, Italian news agency ANSA reported that his death occurred "suddenly" at 7:35 am and cited a "cerebral hemorrhage" as one of the possible causes.

According to Corriere della Sera, Francis woke up to his alarm at 6 am, began to feel ill around 7 am, and died shortly after. Both La Repubblica and La Stampa reported that the stroke was not related to the respiratory illness he battled earlier this year.

The Pope died at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican, where he had lived since becoming head of the Catholic Church in March 2013.

It was later confirmed by Vatican that the stroke was caused, with other contributing factors included in the death certificate, per CNA.

Vatican physician Dr Andrea Arcangeli determined the pope died from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, according to the death certificate.

According to the certificate, compounding factors included Francis’ previous episode of acute respiratory failure from bilateral pneumonia, the chronic disease called bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes.

Arcangeli, the director of the Vatican’s health and hygiene service, said the cause of death was determined through an ECG.

Donald Trump calls Pope Francis 'a very good man who loved the world' in tribute

President Donald Trump reacted to the Pope’s death during remarks to reporters, saying, “Well, I don’t know. I just have to look at the timing. We just lowered the flags.”

In honor of the pontiff's death, Trump had ordered flags to be flown at half-staff earlier Monday.

Trump, whose immigration policies were once criticized by the Pope, said he aligned with Francis' views on compassion for migrants. “Yeah, I do, I do,” Trump said. “I really do," CNN reported.

“He’s a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that’s good with me,” Trump added.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed no travel plans were in place “at this time” for President Trump to attend the funeral, but clarified, “it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”

Trump also shared condolences on Truth Social, writing, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

Pope Francis may lie in state at St Peter's Basilica

Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, told Daily Mail that Pope Francis’ body could lie in state at St Peter's Basilica starting Wednesday. He will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

The Pope had been released from the hospital less than a month before his death after battling double pneumonia for 38 days.

Despite ongoing health challenges, he greeted thousands of worshippers in St Peter's Square during Easter Sunday, his final public appearance.

The Pope did not wear a nasal cannula for oxygen during the Easter event, despite relying on one after his discharge.

He waved to the crowd of 35,000 and began his Urbi et Orbi Easter message by saying, “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” before an aide read the rest of his blessing, which included a plea for peace in Ukraine and Gaza.

A new conclave will now be held, a secret meeting of cardinals to elect the next pope, reportedly by May 10.