INQToday: Pope Francis’ cause of death was stroke — Vatican

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

Pope Francis’ cause of death was stroke — Vatican

Pope Francis died of a stroke, causing a coma and “irreversible” heart failure, according to his death certificate released by the Vatican on Monday.

The 88-year-old Catholic leader died on Monday morning, almost a month after having been discharged from five weeks in hospital where he nearly succumbed to double pneumonia.

Pope Francis pushed himself knowing he ‘did not have long left’

Pope Francis looked visibly drained when he drove around St Peter’s Square in his popemobile on Easter Sunday, cheered by a rapt crowd in what became his final public appearance.

Aged 88 and weakened by five weeks battling double pneumonia in hospital, some in the Vatican suspect the head of the Catholic Church knew that his strength was abandoning him.

Pope Francis asked for simple, unadorned tomb for final resting place

Pope Francis revealed his last wishes in his will published Monday, asking to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb inside his beloved Roman basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore.

“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only as regards the place of my burial,” wrote the pope in his will dated June 29, 2022, that was published Monday by the Vatican.

Hajji Alejandro, OPM legend and balladeer, dead at 70

Hajji Alejandro has died of complications due to stage 4 colon cancer, his family confirmed. He was 70 years old.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito ‘Hajji’ T. Alejandro. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves thris tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time,” the statement from Girlie Rodis, family friend and longtime manager of Hajji’s daughter Rachel Alejandro, reads.