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Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was hospitalised for double pneumonia in February.
Pope Francis passed away aged 88 on Monday. (Reuters)
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 after suffering from prolonged respiratory illnesses. The Argentinian pontiff was admitted to the hospital in February after being diagnosed with double pneumonia and spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy.
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was hospitalised for double pneumonia and entered a critical condition close to death. After he was discharged on March, the pontiff was visibly weak and cancelled several events due to ill-health.
However, it was not the respiratory illnesses stemming from his recent diagnosis of double pneumonia, but cerebral haemorrhage, which was a possible cause of Pope Francis’ death, well-informed sources informed Italy’s ANSA news agency.
These sources informed ANSA that one of the possible causes of Pope Francis’ death was a cerebral haemorrhage and was not directly related to respiratory diseases. The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, told the media that the exact cause of Pope Francis’ death would most likely be disclosed “this evening”.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement.
During his hospitalisation, the pope also underwent blood transfusions due to low platelet levels, a condition linked to anaemia. Despite being advised to rest by doctors, he made an unexpected public appearance on Easter Sunday — his first since being hospitalised with double pneumonia.
He greeted a crowd of 35,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square, offering blessings and waving to pilgrims from his popemobile. As per tradition, Pope Francis delivered the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—Latin for “to the city and the world”—from the balcony of the basilica.
The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals. Eligible cardinals eventually vote for a papal successor in the Sistine Chapel.
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