Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, as announced by the Vatican on April 21, 2025. He passed away at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, just weeks after being discharged from a hospital in Rome. But do you know what diseases he was battling before he passed away?
According to the Vatican, before his death, Pope Francis was battling a severe polymicrobial infection that resulted in bilateral pneumonia (pneumonia affecting both lungs). This illness required a prolonged hospitalisation of 38 days, beginning on February 14, 2025, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. During this period, he faced two critical episodes that put his life at risk. The pneumonia developed on top of pre-existing chronic lung conditions, including bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, compounded by a history of partial lung removal due to pleurisy in his youth.
In addition to pneumonia, he experienced early-stage kidney failure, anaemia requiring blood transfusions, and ongoing respiratory difficulties that necessitated supplemental oxygen and respiratory therapy.
Following his hospital discharge on March 23, 2025, Pope Francis showed gradual but slow improvement in respiratory function, mobility, and voice, continuing physical and respiratory therapy at his Vatican residence. However, the Vatican confirmed his death on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
According to the Leicester Mercury, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his passing at 7:35 am.