Vatican Mourns, Pope Francis Dies at Age 88 

VATICAN, detak24com – The world was shocked by the sad news from the Vatican, Monday (21/4/2025), after Pope Francis was declared dead at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.

The highest leader of the Catholic Church died at the age of 88 after battling double pneumonia that he had suffered since the beginning of the year.

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Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first Argentine Pope and also the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He has around 1.3 billion followers worldwide, and has served as Pope since March 2013.

For the past five weeks, the Pope has undergone intensive care at the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital due to severe pneumonia that nearly claimed his life twice. After his condition began to improve, he was discharged on March 23, 2025 and continued his recovery period in the Vatican under strict medical supervision.

Doctors said the double pneumonia had damaged his lungs and strained his breathing muscles. The pope remained on oxygen via a cannula, although he was able to remove it occasionally.

In early April 2025, the Vatican released a statement that X-rays showed slight improvement in his lungs and motor function. However, his condition was still considered fragile.

In one of his last statements on March 16, the pope acknowledged his health condition. He wrote:

“I share these thoughts with you as I face a time of trial, and I join so many brothers and sisters who are sick. Fragile, at this moment, like me. Our bodies are indeed weak, but even so, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves and supporting one another, in faith, sending out signs of hope.”

As he left the hospital, Pope Francis greeted pilgrims from his wheelchair balcony, waving and saying softly into the microphone: “Thank you, everyone.”

Despite his age and health, the pope remains active in carrying out his state and spiritual duties. In September 2024, he completed a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, including Singapore, which was the longest visit of his papacy in terms of both duration and distance.

The news of Pope Francis’ death has brought deep sorrow to Catholics and the world community. The Vatican is expected to soon announce a conclave process to elect a successor. (net)

Editor : Kar