Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 After Battle with Pneumonia

By Staff, Agencies

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after a long battle with health issues, including double pneumonia.

The Vatican confirmed the news in a statement issued by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said via the Vatican's Telegram channel.

With his passing, traditional Vatican protocols have begun, including preparations for a conclave to select his successor.

Until then, the governance of Vatican City will fall to the camerlengo, currently Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Francis had spent 38 days in Rome's Gemelli hospital before being discharged on March 23.

His death came just one day after he appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica for Easter Sunday, spiritedly greeting worshippers.

Despite ongoing health concerns, including lung surgery in his youth, colon surgery in 2021, and a hernia operation in 2023, Francis refused to slow down.

He was often seen in a wheelchair due to knee pain and had fallen several times in recent months.

Still, he maintained a packed schedule, recently meeting the Slovak prime minister and even embarking on a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour in 2024.

His weekly Angelus addresses drew large crowds, with the pope often ending them by saying, “Pray for me and have a good lunch.”

Only a day before his passing, Pope Francis delivered a powerful Easter message calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of captives.