Pope Francis died at the age of 88: details of his last days
21 april 2025 в 14:13
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, as announced by the Vatican. His death occurred at 7:35 am local time in his residence at the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed this news, stating: «Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house».
Despite recent health problems, including a prolonged hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia earlier in the year, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, he made an unexpected appearance in St. Peter’s Square to bless the faithful and meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance in the Vatican.
Francis was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, in mid-February 2025, where he was treated for bronchitis, but during his stay, other health problems arose: a «polymicrobial infection» of the respiratory tract, bilateral pneumonia, and kidney failure.
During his hospitalization, Francis thanked the public for their support, writing on Twitter on February 23, 2025: «I have recently received many messages of affection, and I was particularly touched by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness and comforting prayers that I have received from all over the world!»
This was not the first time the late pontiff needed medical assistance due to respiratory problems. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis. Since at least 2022, Francis used a wheelchair for mobility due to knee surgery.
Throughout his life, Francis suffered from long-term lung problems, partly due to the removal of a lung in his youth. Despite everything, he denied rumors that arose in 2021 that he planned to resign due to his age and health problems.
Although the Vatican has not officially specified the exact cause of death, it is widely reported that Pope Francis passed away from complications of bilateral pneumonia.
When a pope dies, the management of the Catholic Church temporarily passes to the Camerlengo — currently Cardinal Farrell, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Vatican until a new pope is elected. While Farrell does not have the authority to make doctrinal changes, he manages the administrative functions of the Church and prepares for the upcoming papal conclave, where participating cardinals will gather to elect the next pope
Despite recent health problems, including a prolonged hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia earlier in the year, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, he made an unexpected appearance in St. Peter’s Square to bless the faithful and meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance in the Vatican.
Francis was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, in mid-February 2025, where he was treated for bronchitis, but during his stay, other health problems arose: a «polymicrobial infection» of the respiratory tract, bilateral pneumonia, and kidney failure.
During his hospitalization, Francis thanked the public for their support, writing on Twitter on February 23, 2025: «I have recently received many messages of affection, and I was particularly touched by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness and comforting prayers that I have received from all over the world!»
This was not the first time the late pontiff needed medical assistance due to respiratory problems. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis. Since at least 2022, Francis used a wheelchair for mobility due to knee surgery.
Throughout his life, Francis suffered from long-term lung problems, partly due to the removal of a lung in his youth. Despite everything, he denied rumors that arose in 2021 that he planned to resign due to his age and health problems.
Although the Vatican has not officially specified the exact cause of death, it is widely reported that Pope Francis passed away from complications of bilateral pneumonia.
When a pope dies, the management of the Catholic Church temporarily passes to the Camerlengo — currently Cardinal Farrell, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Vatican until a new pope is elected. While Farrell does not have the authority to make doctrinal changes, he manages the administrative functions of the Church and prepares for the upcoming papal conclave, where participating cardinals will gather to elect the next pope
© Kolganov Andrey
