Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. His death followed a prolonged battle with double pneumonia and a series of health complications that had increasingly impacted his ability to fulfil papal duties in recent years.
The Health Burdens He Carried
The Pope’s health had been a concern for years, stemming from a history of respiratory issues. As a young man, he had part of his lung removed due to pleurisy, which left him with reduced respiratory reserve. This vulnerability became more pronounced in his later years, leading to frequent bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia.
The Pope had been in ill health since February and was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on 14 February 2025 with bronchitis. Just a week later, on 21 February, his medical team confirmed he was battling pneumonia in both lungs – compounded by bacterial, viral and fungal infections, on top of chronic bronchitis.
These acute infections added to a growing list of health issues he had endured over the years, including various respiratory conditions, bouts of the flu, and multiple surgical interventions.
Pope Francis’s Health Journey
His first hospitalisation as pope occurred on 4 July 2021 when he underwent colon surgery at the same Gemelli hospital for diverticular stenosis. Though the operation had been planned, the announcement shocked many in the Catholic world.
In March 2023, he was again hospitalised for bronchitis, joking to journalists on his way out that he was “still alive.” Two months later, he underwent surgery to repair a hernia.
In February 2025, his condition of bronchitis and pneumonia deteriorated further. His double pneumonia became critical, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. Doctors later revealed that he had developed early-stage kidney failure and acute respiratory insufficiency. One of the turning points was a bronchial spasm that caused him to inhale vomit, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
He was discharged after 38 days to continue recovery at Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican.
On Easter Sunday, 20 April, he made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square, delivering blessings to thousands of pilgrims. He passed away peacefully the next morning.
While the Vatican has not officially disclosed the exact cause of death, Italian media reports suggest a possible stroke.
What Is Double Pneumonia?
Double pneumonia refers to an infection that affects both lungs, often causing inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli), which may fill with fluid or pus. Unlike typical pneumonia that might affect only one lung or a specific lobe, double pneumonia is more widespread and can be significantly more serious, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.
Symptoms include high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In severe cases, like in Pope Francis’s, it can lead to respiratory failure and require oxygen therapy or mechanical support. The condition may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or a combination of all three.
As it affects both lungs, recovery is often slower and complications more likely. This is especially so in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying respiratory issues.
A Legacy of Compassion and Reform
Elected in 2013, Pope Francis was known for his humility and commitment to social justice. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and was often seen using a wheelchair due to knee problems.
His papacy was marked by efforts to make the Church more inclusive, advocating for the poor, migrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. He famously asked, “Who am I to judge?” when discussing gay Catholics.
Despite his progressive stance, he faced criticism for his handling of clerical sex abuse cases and for not making significant changes to Church doctrine on certain issues. Nevertheless, his emphasis on mercy over doctrine and his outreach to marginalised communities left a lasting impact on the global Catholic Church.
Final Farewell
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
The Vatican has initiated preparations for the papal conclave to elect his successor.
Read More
- Barbie Hsu Passes Away at 48 Due to Flu-Related Pneumonia
- Pneumonia: Why Is It Dangerous?
- Beloved Indonesian Celeb Zaskia Adya Mecca’s Son Fights for Life Against Pneumonia
References
- “Morte di Papa Francesco, l’ipotesi dell’ictus. I medici: “Si è spento serenamente””. la Repubblica (in Italian). 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- “Papa Francesco, com’è morto: le ultime ore. La crisi stanotte, un ictus tra le possibili cause. Le uscite in mezzo alla folla e le prescrizione dei medici non rispettate”. ilmessaggero (in Italian). 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, dies at 88. CNBC. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- Everything You Should Know About Double Pneumonia. Healthline. August 29, 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- Pope Francis’ funeral rites to take place in 3 parts. Here’s what will happen. CBS News. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
