Pope Francis dies at 88 from stroke and heart failure, Vatican says: Live updates and reactions

The Vatican announced that Francis died on Monday morning, a day after emerging from convalescence to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on Easter.

Pope Francis greets the faithful in Rio de Janeiro.
Pope Francis greets the faithful at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro in July 2013. (Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters) (REUTERS)
Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican’s top doctor said Monday. Francis was 88.

The stroke led to a coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,” Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department, said in a statement reported by multiple news outlets.

Francis died Monday at 7:35 a.m. at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse at the Vatican where he lived.

In a statement, Arcangeli said Francis also suffered from episodes of respiratory insufficiency and had previously had bilateral pneumonia, as well as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Francis recently spent more than a month in the hospital with double pneumonia. But he emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless the thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and make a surprise popemobile ride through the piazza.

It was his last public appearance before his death.

Credit: Dylan Stableford and Katie Mather

By Divine Perezide

The tranquil town of Oporoza in Delta State came alive with vibrant celebrations as the Amaseikumor Festival commenced, transforming the peaceful community into a lively cultural destination. Known for its ancestral significance, the festival drew visitors from across the globe, eager to witness the colorful traditions of the Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Amaseikumor, meaning “no evil should befall the community” in the Gbaramatu Ijaw dialect, is a time-honored celebration dedicated to paying tribute to forebears and divinities, expressing gratitude for harvests, and showcasing the rich customs of the Gbaramatu people. This year’s edition kicked off with remarkable energy, drawing attention from cultural lovers, foreign tourists, and dignitaries from various parts of the world.

The annual event has become a cultural and economic cornerstone for Delta State, significantly boosting tourism and driving local commerce. As festivities began, community members welcomed the large influx of visitors with open arms.

“We are extremely elated to have people from different parts of the world gather here to celebrate our culture and tradition. This festival is a demonstration to the unity and diversity of our people,” residents expressed proudly.

The festival features a wide range of traditional activities, including dance performances, exhibitions of indigenous art, and cultural presentations. A standout moment is the grand parade of the elegant Amaseikumor Masquerade, touted as the king of all Masquerade, where participants don bright, colorful garments and perform traditional dances and rituals that reflect the spiritual and cultural essence of the Gbaramatu people.

Many day 1 attendees were visibly moved by the experience. “I have never witnessed anything like this before, it’s truly a sight to behold,” said a tourist from the United States, visiting the festival for the first time in 2024.

Beyond its cultural impact, the Amaseikumor Festival has also given a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists has led to increased demand for accommodations, traditional cuisine, and locally made crafts. Vendors and small business owners are experiencing a surge in sales, hoping the positive economic ripple continues even after the festival ends.

As the celebrations go on, the people of Gbaramatu are filled with pride, seeing the world engage with their rich traditions. The Amaseikumor Festival continues to stand as a powerful symbol of cultural preservation, community unity, and the beauty of diversity.

By Favour Bibaikefie

Chief Engr. Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to both national security and grassroots development. He made this assertion over the weekend during the official commissioning of a newly constructed and fully equipped police station for the Nigerian Police Force at the Ugborikoko Divisional Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

While addressing the attendees, Chief Engr. Pondi remarked:

“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. We are beyond proud to commission the new Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station—a symbol of our unwavering commitment to security, peace, and community development.

“This station is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a tangible manifestation of what can be achieved when communities, governments, and the private sector unite with a common purpose. For us, it’s about creating safe spaces where citizens and officers alike can thrive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live in security and peace.”

He went on to emphasize that the company’s objective extends well beyond securing oil and gas pipelines, stating:

“Since 2022, our mission has always gone beyond security—it’s about contributing to national prosperity and local empowerment. As we hand over this new facility, we’re reminded that true progress isn’t just in improving infrastructure, but in uplifting the very people who protect it. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on operational efficiency, this police station is built to serve you—our community.”

Concluding his remarks, he offered a message of dedication to the local residents:

“To the people of Warri, Effurun, and Ugborikoko, this station is for you. Together, we’ll continue working towards a brighter, safer future where security is not just a priority, but a reality for all,” the statement added.

The event marks another significant step by Tantita in supporting law enforcement and fostering a secure environment in the Niger Delta region.