Pope Francis’ existing health issues could've increased his stroke risk

By MDLinx staff

Published April 23, 2025

Key Takeaways

Industry Buzz

"He had a lot of medical problems. He had part of his lung removed as a young man, he had infections, he had a problem with abnormal airwaves, he had this recent prolonged five-week hospitalization ... The official cause of death was a stroke. We don't have the details of what kind of stroke. The bottom line is he had all these underlying conditions." — Jon LaPook, MD, CBS News chief medical correspondent

On Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, revealing that the pontiff died following a stroke, which was followed by a coma and eventual collapse of his cardiovascular system. ^[]

The news has left millions mourning the loss of the leader of the Catholic Church, but behind this somber moment lies the complex medical circumstances that led to his death.

Underlying health issues

Pope Francis, who had been battling health issues for several years, had a history of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure—conditions that significantly increase the risk of stroke.

Both of these factors can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and the development of blood clots, which disrupt the flow of blood to the brain, causing a stroke. While his health challenges were well known, it was a confluence of medical issues that ultimately led to the pope’s death.

In addition to his diabetes and high blood pressure, Pope Francis had been suffering from bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become weakened and enlarged. This condition increases vulnerability to infections, particularly respiratory ones, which can trigger a cascade of complications.

A large stroke, as in the case of Pope Francis, often leads to a coma. The Vatican confirmed that the pope had fallen into a coma following the stroke, and that his subsequent collapse of the cardiovascular system, or "cardiocirculatory collapse," was the final cause of death. This condition occurs when the heart and lungs fail to function, often as a result of a catastrophic event like a stroke.

Strokes can lead to cardiocirculatory collapse in a number of ways. A stroke can disrupt the areas of the brain responsible for regulating heart function, or brain swelling can create pressure that affects critical brain structures. ^[] ^[]

What's more, in some patients, a stroke may trigger a heart attack, which further weakens the body's circulatory system and can lead to complete failure of the heart and lungs. ^[]

Bottom line

The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a long and impactful papacy, but it also serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay of various medical conditions that can lead to tragic outcomes.

While the pope’s death is a personal loss for many, it also sheds light on the critical nature of comprehensive medical care for individuals with complex health histories.