End of an Era: Pope Francis Dies After Health Struggles
The Pope Francis death has shaken the Catholic Church and its global followers. The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, following complications from double pneumonia that had confined him to bed for over a month.
The Vatican officially confirmed his passing in a statement shared by Vatican News, announcing that Pope Francis died peacefully at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, at 7:35 a.m.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” declared Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
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Pope Francis was initially hospitalised on February 14, 2025, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to bronchitis, which worsened into bilateral pneumonia. Despite aggressive treatment, including bronchoscopies and mechanical ventilation, his health steadily declined.
He was discharged on March 23 after a five-week stay, and even appeared briefly to bless well-wishers from a hospital window—a gesture that would mark one of his final public moments.
A day before his death, he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in what turned out to be his last high-profile engagement.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis became the 266th pope in 2013. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first ever from the Americas. From the beginning of his papacy, he signaled a new direction for the Catholic Church—one that embraced humility, inclusion, and action.
His own life story inspired millions. As a teenager, he battled a serious lung infection, which led to the removal of part of one lung. That early health struggle would shape his resilience and compassion, but also made him vulnerable to recurring respiratory infections later in life. He faced several hospitalisations in recent years, including treatment for bronchitis in 2023.
In addition to respiratory issues, Pope Francis also suffered from chronic pain in his right knee, frequently using a wheelchair or cane. He opted against surgery, choosing instead to manage the condition through therapy and medication.
In 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis and was again hospitalised in 2023 for a hernia operation.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis remained committed to his mission. He championed the rights of migrants, denounced economic inequality, and became a vocal advocate for the environment. He also pressed for reforms within the Church, opening dialogue on divisive topics like LGBTQ+ inclusion, priestly celibacy, and the role of women.
Yet, his papacy was not without controversy. His progressive stance often clashed with conservative factions within the Church. Still, his impact is undeniable, having steered the Church toward greater openness and engagement with contemporary issues.
As the world mourns the passing of a spiritual giant, tributes continue to pour in from leaders, clergy, and faithful across the globe. Plans for his funeral and the election of a new pope are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, reform, and courage in the face of adversity. His death marks the end of an era, but his vision for a more merciful and inclusive Church will undoubtedly endure.
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End of an Era: Pope Francis Dies After Health Struggles
