Breaking: Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Protracted Illness, Vatican Shares Details
- After surviving a serious bout of double pneumonia, Pope Francis, head of the Catholic church, has died at the age of 88
- The Vatican announced his death in a statement released on Easter Monday, signed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell
- On Easter Sunday, the pope was reportedly pictured greeting a crowd from the gallery of St Peter’s Basilica after celebrating Mass with the faithful
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis died at the age of 88. The pontiff, who was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, became pope in 2013 after his predecessor, Benedict XVI, resigned.
Source: Getty Images
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. He said:
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
"At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. 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 in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Sky News and Reuters confirmed this in their publication on Monday, April 21.
Pope Francis appeared in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, greeted thousands of worshippers despite health concerns after recent hospitalisation for pneumonia.
In his Easter address, delivered by a clergy member, the Pope called for religious freedom, peace, and respect for differing opinions as essential for global harmony.
Pope Francis' battle with ailment
Source: Getty Images
Legit.ng earlier reported that Pope Francis was hospitalised for three weeks due to double pneumonia. He was said to have received respiratory therapy but showed limited signs of improvement.
The Vatican revealed that the 88-year-old pontiff required high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day and noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night.
Amid this, prayers poured in at the Rome hospital over his health condition after his recorded audio message to religious faithful was released.
On Monday, March 2, 2025, the Catholic Church said Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency.
According to the statement, the development was caused by a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm".
Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) also sent his appreciation message to medical doctors and healthcare workers taking good care of him.
Nigerian cleric speaks on Pope's health
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Catholic priest said he had read online where some people were making disparaging comments about the illness of Pope Francis.
The priest said such bad comments should not provoke Catholics to anger, since there was no need for them to be angry.
In a Facebook post, Reverend Father John Chinenye Oluoma said if a Pope dies in the Catholic church, the organisation is not made weak but stronger.
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Source: Legit.ng
