World
Vatican Confirms Pope Francis Died from Cerebral Stroke Followed by Irreversible Heart Failure
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.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshua’s professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshua’s recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.