Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, passed away at the age of 88, on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), nearly a month after he was discharged from the hospital. A day after making his final appearance on Easter Sunday, he died at his residence in the Vatican.
"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," Vatican News confirmed his death on X.
Death announcement
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church," Cardinal Farrell said in a statement released by the Vatican.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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," the statement added.
Pope Francis's health struggles
Battle with pleurisyThe health struggles of the pontiff began from a very young age when as a young seminarian in his twenties, he had to get part of his lung removed due to a severe lung infection caused by pleurisy.
Pleurisy is a condition where the pleura, the two thin layers of tissue surrounding the lungs, become inflamed. This causes sharp chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing. In severe cases, like what Pope Francis experienced as a young man, the inflammation can lead to fluid build-up between the layers (called pleural effusion), causing infection or damage to the lung tissue itself. In rare instances, doctors may have to surgically remove the damaged portion of the lung to save the patient's life and stop the infection from spreading.
How Pope Francis battled his lung issues during his recent hospitalization
During the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy, lasting 38 days, Pope Francis fought bravely as his respiratory issues worsened and progressed into double pneumonia. He was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14. During this entire time, till the pontiff was discharged, he requested his daily health updates to be released by the Vatican. On some days, there were improvements and the pope rested peacefully, while on others things got worrisome.
Here are the health complications he suffered during his recent hospitalization:
Bronchitis: Pope was initially hospitalized for bronchitis. It is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes that are tasked with carrying air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis may start suddenly and be short term or start gradually and become long term or chronic.
Double pneumonia: Double pneumonia or bilateral pneumonia is when it affects both lungs and the person gets very little oxygen. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and is caused most often by Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Those with compromised immune systems, chronic conditions, or older age are at higher risk for double pneumonia.
Polymicrobial respiratory infection: Soon after his hospitalization, Vatican authorities said that the Pope suffered from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection. According to National Institutes of Health, this means the person has a mix of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites growing in their lungs.
Early stage kidney failure: In a health update on February 23, 2025, the Vatican shared that some blood tests of Francis showed "initial, mild, kidney failure". However, the doctors said there was no immediate threat to the Pope. A mild kidney failure according to Cleveland Clinic indicates a reduced function of the kidneys, but not to the point of complete failure.
Bronchial spasm: In an update on February 28, an update was posted that Pope Francis' respiratory condition worsened following an isolated bronchospasm that caused him to inhale vomit. The pontiff was put on a non-invasive mechanical ventilation post that. Bronchospasm or bronchial spasm according to Cleveland Clinic, is a condition where the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchioles (small airways in the lungs) tighten and constrict, making it difficult to breathe.
Acute respiratory insufficiency: In a March 3 update, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope had experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency. In such cases, lungs fail to adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a life-threatening situation.
Pope was discharged on March 23, 2025 after 38 days of hospitalization. On April 4, Pope Francis attended the Jubilee Year Mass, which was his first public event after hospitalization. He also attended Mass for the sick and healthcare workers on April 6 in a surprise appearance. His last appearance was a brief one at Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Video
"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," Vatican News confirmed his death on X.
Death announcement
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church," Cardinal Farrell said in a statement released by the Vatican.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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," the statement added.
Pope Francis's health struggles
Battle with pleurisyThe health struggles of the pontiff began from a very young age when as a young seminarian in his twenties, he had to get part of his lung removed due to a severe lung infection caused by pleurisy.
Pleurisy is a condition where the pleura, the two thin layers of tissue surrounding the lungs, become inflamed. This causes sharp chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing. In severe cases, like what Pope Francis experienced as a young man, the inflammation can lead to fluid build-up between the layers (called pleural effusion), causing infection or damage to the lung tissue itself. In rare instances, doctors may have to surgically remove the damaged portion of the lung to save the patient's life and stop the infection from spreading.
How Pope Francis battled his lung issues during his recent hospitalization
During the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy, lasting 38 days, Pope Francis fought bravely as his respiratory issues worsened and progressed into double pneumonia. He was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14. During this entire time, till the pontiff was discharged, he requested his daily health updates to be released by the Vatican. On some days, there were improvements and the pope rested peacefully, while on others things got worrisome.
Here are the health complications he suffered during his recent hospitalization:
Bronchitis: Pope was initially hospitalized for bronchitis. It is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes that are tasked with carrying air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis may start suddenly and be short term or start gradually and become long term or chronic.
Double pneumonia: Double pneumonia or bilateral pneumonia is when it affects both lungs and the person gets very little oxygen. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and is caused most often by Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Those with compromised immune systems, chronic conditions, or older age are at higher risk for double pneumonia.
Polymicrobial respiratory infection: Soon after his hospitalization, Vatican authorities said that the Pope suffered from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection. According to National Institutes of Health, this means the person has a mix of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites growing in their lungs.
Early stage kidney failure: In a health update on February 23, 2025, the Vatican shared that some blood tests of Francis showed "initial, mild, kidney failure". However, the doctors said there was no immediate threat to the Pope. A mild kidney failure according to Cleveland Clinic indicates a reduced function of the kidneys, but not to the point of complete failure.
Bronchial spasm: In an update on February 28, an update was posted that Pope Francis' respiratory condition worsened following an isolated bronchospasm that caused him to inhale vomit. The pontiff was put on a non-invasive mechanical ventilation post that. Bronchospasm or bronchial spasm according to Cleveland Clinic, is a condition where the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchioles (small airways in the lungs) tighten and constrict, making it difficult to breathe.
Acute respiratory insufficiency: In a March 3 update, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope had experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency. In such cases, lungs fail to adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a life-threatening situation.
Pope was discharged on March 23, 2025 after 38 days of hospitalization. On April 4, Pope Francis attended the Jubilee Year Mass, which was his first public event after hospitalization. He also attended Mass for the sick and healthcare workers on April 6 in a surprise appearance. His last appearance was a brief one at Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Video
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