Pope Francis' health had declined in recent months. Credit: Vatican Pool / Getty
Pope Francis has died at age 88, just hours after appearing publicly for Easter.
Pope Francis, who became head of the Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome in 2013, has died at age 88.
He took over after Pope Benedict XVI resigned.
Cardinal Farrell announced the news in a Vatican statement.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church.”
“He taught us to live the Gospel with courage, love, and deep care for the poor and marginalized.”
“With immense gratitude for his example, we commend his soul to God’s infinite mercy.”
He took over after Pope Benedict XVI resigned.
Cardinal Farrell announced the news in a Vatican statement.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church.”
“He taught us to live the Gospel with courage, love, and deep care for the poor and marginalized.”
“With immense gratitude for his example, we commend his soul to God’s infinite mercy.”
Pope Francis was recently hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis treatment.
Doctors later diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia and anemia-related low platelet levels, requiring blood transfusions.
On February 22, he entered critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis.”
He was treated with high-flow oxygen, and the next day, the Vatican reported early signs of “mild” kidney failure.
He stayed in the hospital for the rest of the month as his condition remained “complex.”
Catholics around the world prayed for his recovery.
Doctors later diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia and anemia-related low platelet levels, requiring blood transfusions.
On February 22, he entered critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis.”
He was treated with high-flow oxygen, and the next day, the Vatican reported early signs of “mild” kidney failure.
He stayed in the hospital for the rest of the month as his condition remained “complex.”
Catholics around the world prayed for his recovery.
On March 6, Pope Francis shared his first audio message from the hospital, saying, “I am with you from here.”
He was discharged on March 23 after 38 days and appeared on a balcony at Gemelli, smiling and giving a thumbs up to the crowd.
He then returned to the Vatican for a planned two-month recovery.
Doctors said the pneumonia had been treated, but he needed medication for a fungal lung infection and ongoing respiratory and physical therapy.
Born in 1936, he was the first South American pope and had part of a lung removed in his youth in Argentina.
Originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he served as a bishop in Buenos Aires before becoming pope.
Known as the “People’s Pope,” he advocated for refugees, the poor, climate action, and greater inclusion of women.
He also showed compassion for the LGBTQ community, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?”
In recent years, his health declined, limiting his public speaking and requiring a cane or wheelchair.
He made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just hours before his passing.
This is a breaking news story. More updates to follow.
