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.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.