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.
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A powerful car bomb detonated near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities.
The blast, which sent shockwaves across the bustling commercial district, is being investigated as a possible terror or organized crime-related attack amid Ecuador’s ongoing struggle with rising gang violence.
The explosion occurred near one of the main entrances of Mall del Sol, one of Guayaquil’s largest and busiest shopping centers, located in the north of the city.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as a vehicle parked along the roadside suddenly erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the air.
Surveillance footage and videos shared on social media captured the moment of the detonation, showing debris flying across the street as nearby cars were engulfed by the blast.
Several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity were heavily damaged, and windows shattered across multiple nearby buildings.
Initial reports from emergency responders indicate that several people were killed, and multiple others sustained serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Firefighters, police, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the burning vehicles. Paramedics transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Officials from Ecuador’s National Police and Armed Forces have launched an immediate investigation into the attack. Early indications suggest that explosives were deliberately placed inside a parked vehicle, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of device used or any possible suspects.
The Attorney General’s Office and anti-terrorism units are leading the forensic examination of the blast site. Authorities have increased security across Guayaquil and other major Ecuadorian cities, fearing possible coordinated attacks.
Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence intended to spread fear among citizens.” The government pledged to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security amid escalating gang-related violence in the region.
Residents are urged to avoid the Mall del Sol area as the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information on the number of victims and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.