Large bruise on Pope Francis’ face raises questions after death — Italian media

A large bruise on the face of the late Pope Francis has raised questions and speculation about the cause, Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano reported.

"A pronounced dark mark under the chin and on the left cheek of Pope Francis has prompted additional theories," the report said.

Some experts have questioned whether the mark may have resulted from a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, or whether it was caused by trauma from a fall.

Neurologist and cardiology researcher Sabrina Anticoli told Il Messaggero that the latter explanation was more likely.

"A trauma caused by a fall during awakening from hemiplegia," she explained.

Pope Francis died on Monday morning at the age of 88. The official cause of death was reported as a stroke, compounded by multiple chronic health conditions.

N.Tebrizli