Breaking: Pope Francis Passes Away Aged 88

After recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday.

He greeted a crowd of more than 35,000 in St. Peter's Square from his popemobile on Easter.

Source : PTI

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican said on Monday, a day after he made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday. After recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia, Pope Francis greeted a crowd of more than 35,000 in St. Peter's Square from his popemobile. Pope Francis also had a brief private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta.

"Dearest 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 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 marginalised," the statement said.

"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," it added.

He was elected to the post following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. Benedict XVI was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years.

Pope Francis's Ill Health

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14 after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. His condition gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on February 18.

After 38 days in the hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.

As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the church in the Risen Body of Christ.