On Monday morning, American Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced that Pope Francis, 88, had died. He had been undergoing a recovery process after being hospitalized for respiratory issues in recent weeks.
According to the Vatican, his final days were marked by a progressive deterioration of his health, which included two episodes of acute respiratory failure in recent hours.
The Holy See explained that these episodes were caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus. His condition worsened after his hospitalization on February 14, when he was hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia that led to respiratory crises, kidney failure, and a polymicrobial infection. During that time, he received blood transfusions for anemia and oxygen support.
In the statement, Farrell announced: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow that I must announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinitely merciful love of the Triune God.”
The Pope’s first hospitalization was on July 4, 2021, for diverticulitis, when he was operated on by surgeon Sergio Alfieri, with whom he began to have a special relationship. Francis also had 33 centimeters of intestine removed and underwent further surgery in June 2023.
In February of this year, when he was admitted again, doctors described his condition as “critical” and, in one of the medical reports, stated: “He took the two units of red blood cell concentrate with benefit and an increase in the hemoglobin level. The thrombocytopenia remained stable; however, some blood tests show mild initial kidney failure, which is currently under control.”
