On Monday, the Vatican officially announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, marking the end of a papacy that has often stirred controversy over its globalist leanings, polarizing political views, and escalating health issues.
Italian media have reported that the likely cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage, possibly a stroke, which struck just hours after the Pope had completed his morning prayers.
According to the Daily Mail, citing La Repubblica and La Stampa, sources close to the Pope’s medical team confirmed that this stroke was not linked to the severe respiratory issues and double pneumonia that had plagued him back in February, which necessitated an extended hospital stay.
Despite medical advice to rest for a minimum of two months, Pope Francis disregarded these warnings and returned to his public engagements, including a notable appearance during Easter Sunday Mass.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the Pope’s death at 7:35 AM in Vatican City.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell stated in an official announcement.
“His life was a testament to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us 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 commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis had long struggled with chronic respiratory conditions, including a lung that was partially removed during his youth, a factor that many close to him feared heightened his vulnerability in his later years.
According to Vatican News, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in 1957 in Argentina to remove part of his lung following a serious respiratory infection.
As he aged, the pontiff faced recurring respiratory issues, including an influenza bout and lung inflammation that led him to cancel a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023.
The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis, which rapidly escalated into double pneumonia—a particularly dangerous condition for someone with a history like Francis’.
“The doctor mentioned that it was the Pope’s personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who advocated for continued treatment following a vomiting episode,” reports indicate.
For days, the medical team faced the risk of damaging Francis’ kidneys and bone marrow, but the 88-year-old eventually responded to aggressive treatment, leading to a reduction in his infection.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, starting as early as Wednesday. His final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Reports indicate that the Conclave, where cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, will not commence for at least 15 days.
While mainstream media mourn the passing of the first Latin American pope, many conservatives view Francis as a polarizing figure who transformed the Vatican into a vehicle for leftist activism. From advocating for open borders and climate change initiatives to endorsing radical social agendas that diverged from centuries of Catholic doctrine, Francis increasingly alienated traditional Catholics worldwide.
His papacy was characterized by frequent confrontations with bishops resistant to the perceived doctrinal drift, with many faithful accusing him of prioritizing global political narratives over spiritual guidance.
