Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in Rome, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo. The 88-year-old pontiff, the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, “returned to the Father” after a life dedicated to serving the Church and promoting Gospel values, particularly for the marginalized.
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Pope Francis faced severe health issues, including double pneumonia, leading to a 38-day hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital from February 14 to March 23, 2025. During this period, he experienced multiple life-threatening respiratory crises, including a critical episode on February 28 when he inhaled vomit and another on March 3 due to acute respiratory failure. Despite these challenges, he recovered enough to return to the Vatican, though he required ongoing oxygen therapy and rest.
– After his discharge, Francis resumed limited duties, avoiding large gatherings and continuing respiratory therapy. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, when he blessed St. Peter’s Basilica and toured St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile. The Vatican’s announcement didn’t provide a specific cause of death, but his chronic lung condition, exacerbated by the removal of part of one lung in his youth, may have contributed.
– Cardinal Farrell praised Francis’ legacy, highlighting his courage, faithfulness, and universal love. The Vatican will initiate the Novendiale, a nine-day mourning period, and prepare for his funeral, which he simplified to resemble a bishop’s rites, with burial at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, reflecting his devotion to the Salus Populi Romani icon.
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