Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Extended Illness

IQNA – Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed, following a prolonged period of declining health that saw the pontiff undergo repeated hospitalizations in recent years.

He passed away after complications linked to respiratory and kidney issues.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first pontiff from South America and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy.

Francis’ health had been a growing concern. He was hospitalized on February 14 with bronchitis, and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and mild kidney failure. Despite a brief public appearance on March 23 after a 38-day hospital stay, his condition remained “complex,” with doctors administering 24-hour care and oxygen support.

In recent years, Francis struggled with chronic health problems, including sciatica and a history of lung and intestinal surgeries. He frequently used a wheelchair and had scaled back his public engagements.

Source: Agencies