Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Latin American and Jesuit to hold the papacy, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican has announced that he died due to a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately resulted in irreversible heart failure. His passing came just a day after his unexpected public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he greeted people gathered in St Peter’s Square, offering blessings and a brief moment of connection despite his fragile health. This was his most notable public appearance since bouncing back from a serious bout of double pneumonia.
Pope Francis experienced multiple health complications, including lung issues from his youth and recurrent respiratory infections, which led to several hospitalisations in recent years. He had previously suggested he might retire due to health concerns. His papacy was characterised by notable reforms as well as considerable challenges in updating the image and functioning of the Catholic Church.
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who is tasked with overseeing the Holy See's affairs during the interval between the Pope's death and the election of his successor.
Early Health Challenges
In 1957, at the age of 21, he had undergone surgery to have the upper lobe of his right lung removed because of a serious respiratory infection. The procedure left him with a lifelong scar but did not impair his ability to work on challenging assignments in the Church. He went on to say that he never experienced fatigue or lack of breath, even though he had undergone the surgery.
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Chronic Conditions and Mobility Issues
During his papacy, Pope Francis experienced chronic sciatica, which manifested as pain in his back, hip, and leg due to nerve damage. This ailment occasionally forced him to miss significant events, such as New Year's Eve and New Year's Day services in December 2020. Additionally, knee problems led him to use a wheelchair, walker, or cane, especially from 2022 onwards.
Surgical Interventions
In July 2021, he had a six-hour operation to have 33 centimetres of his colon removed to treat diverticulitis, a painful bowel infection. The condition reoccurred in 2023, which resulted in more medical treatment. In June 2023, he underwent a three-hour operation on his abdomen to fix an incisional hernia, which resulted in painful intestinal obstructions.
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Respiratory Infections and Hospitalisations
In February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after developing bronchitis. While he was there, he contracted a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection along with double pneumonia. His condition was critical, and he needed high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions. He also had early-stage kidney failure and two acute episodes of respiratory insufficiency.
Despite these health problems, Pope Francis was dedicated to his responsibilities, tending to make frequent public appearances and speaking to the faithful. His openness about his medical problems broke with the past papal practice of secrecy on personal health.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]