A large bruise was noticed on the face of the late Pope Francis

Vatican published posthumous photographs of Pope Francis with a mysterious hematoma on his face

As reported by TUT.AZ, Italian publication Il Messaggero was the first to notice an unusual detail in the posthumous images of the pontiff — an extensive hematoma located on the left side of his face.

Neurologist Sabina Anticoli suggested that the bruise could have appeared as a result of a fall caused by hemiplegia — a unilateral paralysis that sometimes develops after a stroke.

This version raises serious doubts among observers, since the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church moved exclusively in a wheelchair and was constantly under the vigilant supervision of accompanying persons.

Vatican representatives have not yet provided any comments regarding the origin of the injury. According to the official conclusion, the cause of the Pope's death was a stroke that occurred on April 21, 2025.

Notably, there are discrepancies in the statements of church hierarchs regarding the exact time of the pontiff's death.

Francis's body will be displayed for farewell at St. Peter's Basilica until April 26. Shortly after this date, the cardinals will gather for a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new head of the Catholic Church.