The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately resulted in irreversible heart failure.

The announcement was made in a statement released shortly after his passing.

Although Pope Francis did not preside over Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this year, he made a brief public appearance at the conclusion of the service to deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and to the world”) Easter message.

The speech, a traditional papal address given twice a year, was read aloud by an aide just one day before his death.

In the wake of his passing, the Vatican initiated its first public act of mourning—a Rosary prayer service held in St. Peter’s Square at sunset.

The solemn gathering was led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The first reading was delivered by Sister Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State and one of the highest-ranking women in Vatican leadership.

Her role exemplified Pope Francis’ commitment to increasing the involvement of women in decision-making positions within the Church.

Among the many tributes pouring in from around the world, U.S. President Donald Trump reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy during remarks at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, saying, “He was a very good man who loved the world.”

Pope Francis is widely remembered as a transformative figure within the Catholic Church.

Known for his humility and progressive tone, he sought to challenge longstanding institutional norms. Jesuit scholar Thomas Reese once observed that Francis worked to “change the style of being Pope, attack clericalism, empower the laity, open the church to conversation and debate, and shift the pastoral and public priorities of the Church.”

Further arrangements regarding the funeral and conclave will be released in the coming days as the Vatican enters an official period of mourning.