What to Know About Pope Francis’ Death

Pope Francis died on Monday, aged 88, at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

Here is what to know about how he died, and what is expected to happen next.

How did the pope die?

The Vatican has not announced the immediate cause of Pope Francis’ death. But he recently spent weeks in the hospital in critical condition with a life-threatening respiratory infection.

After being released, the pope resumed a limited schedule. A day before his death, he met with Vice President JD Vance and blessed the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Easter Mass.

He had made several public appearances over the past week. But his weak, raspy voice was a reminder of his frailty.

What were his health problems?

Francis entered the hospital with an acute respiratory insufficiency from viral and bacterial infections. He had often struggled with bronchitis during winter.