'Maverick' Pope Francis defied doctors to meet followers before dying hours later

Pope Francis continued to defy the order of his doctors to rest in the months, as he was said to believe being with people was his “best medicine”.

The has reacted with grief to news that at around 7.30am today, after struggling with his health for several months. On Sunday afternoon the leader of the Vatican church blessed thousands of visitors to St Paul’s Square as he made a surprise appearance in a trip in the Popemobile for . His death hours later follows claims by experts that he was a “maverick” who felt it was his duty to be with people.

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Christopher White, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, told the last month: “If you think back to when he was elected pope and decided to forgo the traditional vestments and to live in Casa Santa Marta, he came in as a maverick - now, at 88, and after a very serious hospitalisation, he continues to be a maverick.

“He really does believe being with people is the best medicine. As a pastor, he has a duty to be out and public-facing, but I also think there’s a political calculation.

“He’s politically astute and would have read the papers and all the endless speculation about his health, possible resignation and conclave.” The Pope had been told to rest for at least two months after he was discharged from hospital, but he repeatedly denied those orders.

Before visiting St Paul’s Basilica for the final time on Sunday, the Pope posted on X. He said in his last message: “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news the Pope passed away at around 7.30am. He said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. 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."

On March 13, 2013, he became pope at the age of 76, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope in 600 years to resign from office.