Pope Francis dies, the Vatican said
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican said on the official website of the « X » network.
In recent years of his pontification, they have been marked by numerous hospital stays and constant care for his health.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the vatican’s casa santa marta. pic.twitter.com/juikbplvi2
– Vatican News (@vaticannews) April 21, 2025
On February 14 he was admitted to the hospital for treatment of bronchitis.
In the days that followed, the Vatican reported that he had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and had a blood transfusion after tests showed low platelet levels associated with anemia.
On February 22, the Vatican announced that the Pope was in critical condition after a « prolonged respiratory crisis » demanding large amounts of oxygen, and the next day it was announced that the Pope had developed initial, mild renal failure.
In the coming days, thousands of worshipers gathered at St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, while others went to the Rome hospital where they were treated to leave flowers and messages.
He stayed in hospital until the end of February, and doctors then described his condition as « complex ».
On March 6, he spoke for the first time after entering the hospital, through an audio message in which he thanked everyone who wished him and added: « I am with you – here. »
He welcomed the gathered at the Easter Mass yesterday.
« The People’s Pope »
Born in 1936, Pope Francisco was the first South American pope. His pontification was marked with support for those fleeing war and hunger, as well as for the poor – because of which he got the nickname « People’s Pope ».
In 2016, he washed away the feet of refugees from various faiths at the Asylum Center outside Rome as a « gesture of humility and service ».
He clearly stated his views on many topics, climate change and inequality in wealth to the role of women in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francisco was born as Jorge Mario Bergolio and had previously been archbishop of Buenos Aires.
