Pope Francis dies at 88, Vatican confirms

By Newsflash Reporter

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed.

Francis, who was elected pope in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, had battled numerous health challenges in recent years. His papacy was defined by both his compassion for the marginalized and a series of health scares that increasingly limited his public appearances.

His final health crisis began on February 14, when he was hospitalized for treatment of bronchitis. Soon after, Vatican officials revealed he had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. Blood tests also showed low platelet counts, a condition associated with anaemia, and he underwent transfusions.

By February 22, his condition had deteriorated significantly. The Vatican reported he was in critical condition, suffering from a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required intensive oxygen support. The following day, doctors identified signs of early kidney failure.

As concern for his wellbeing grew, crowds of faithful gathered outside St Peter’s Square and the Rome hospital where he was receiving care, offering prayers and leaving flowers and notes. Despite his worsening condition, Pope Francis remained in the hospital through the end of February, with medical teams describing his health status as “complex.”

On March 6, he broke his silence with an audio message thanking supporters and offering reassurance: “I am with you from here.” Days later, he made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service, briefly greeting crowds.

After a 38-day stay, Pope Francis was discharged on March 23. Appearing from a hospital balcony, he smiled and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd. He made a brief stop at his favorite basilica before returning to the Vatican, where he began two months of recovery. Doctors continued to monitor him closely, providing 24-hour care and supplemental oxygen. Though the pneumonia was treated successfully, he remained on medication for a lingering fungal infection in his lungs and underwent respiratory therapy.

On Monday evening, thousands once again gathered in St Peter’s Square to offer prayers for the ailing pontiff.

A legacy of compassion and reform

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis made history as the first pope from South America. Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, he earned the nickname the “People’s Pope” for his outreach to the poor, refugees, and the disenfranchised.

One memorable moment from his papacy came in 2016, when he washed the feet of refugees of various faiths at an asylum center near Rome, symbolizing his dedication to humility and service.

Pope Francis was also outspoken on major global issues such as climate change, wealth inequality, and the role of women in the Church. His progressive stance on LGBTQ acceptance surprised many, particularly his 2013 remark: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?”

However, his liberal image faced scrutiny in 2024 when he signed the document Dignitas Infinita, affirming the Vatican’s strong opposition to abortion, surrogacy, euthanasia, and gender reassignment. That same year, reports surfaced alleging he used a homophobic slur in a private setting, further complicating his reputation.

Years of declining health

Francis lived with several chronic health issues throughout his life. As a young man, he had part of one lung removed in Argentina. More recently, he required the use of a wheelchair or cane due to mobility problems stemming from sciatica.

His first major hospitalization as pope came in 2021, when he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon. In mid-2023, he was again admitted to hospital for a procedure to address an abdominal hernia, a source of persistent pain.

His declining health led him to miss key events, including the traditional Good Friday procession at the Colosseum in 2024. In 2022, he publicly acknowledged the possibility of resigning should his condition prevent him from fulfilling his duties.

Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, broke centuries of tradition by stepping down in 2013. He passed away in 2022.

As the Church and its 1.4 billion followers worldwide mourn his death, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, reform, and unwavering commitment to the vulnerable.