Christian religious leader Pope Francis dies: Brain stroke took his life at the age of 88, lung infection had worsened his health

Vatican City: Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died on April 21, 2025 at 7:35 am (5:35 GMT) at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. According to Italian news agency ANSA, the cause of the Pope's death was a brain stroke, which possibly turned out to be a cerebral hemorrhage. Just a few weeks ago, in February 2025, he had to be admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for 38 days due to double pneumonia and bronchitis. The Pope's demise has sent shockwaves across the world. Let's understand this tragic incident with facts.

Pope Francis' Last Breath and Health Problems

Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been battling health issues for a long time. At the age of 21, he had to have part of his right lung removed due to pleurisy. Apart from this, he also suffered from chronic bronchitis and mild heart issues. In February 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for treatment of bronchitis, which later turned into bilateral pneumonia in both lungs. It was the longest hospitalization period in his 12-year papacy.

Doctors said his condition had improved in March 2025, and he arrived in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) in a wheelchair to bless more than 35,000 people. He also toured the square in the Popemobile. However, he appeared “extremely ill” when he met with US Vice President J.D. Vance the same day. Doctors said the Pope died peacefully, and that it was due to a stroke, not lung disease, ANSA reported.

Global mourning and tributes

Leaders and Catholics around the world mourned the news of Pope Francis’ death. Vatican Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, “Our Holy Father Francis returned to God this morning.” Britain's King Charles said, "My and my wife's hearts are heavy. Francis will be remembered for his compassion and dedication." French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, "Pope Francis carried a message of joy and hope from Buenos Aires to Rome."

#PopeFrancisDeath is also trending on X in India. One user wrote, "Pope Francis's humility and love for the poor inspired us." In Glasgow, 400 people attended a prayer service at the Metropolitan Cathedral a few hours after his death.

Contribution and legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope elected in 2013, made many reforms in the Catholic Church during his 12-year tenure. He advocated for the rights of the poor, migrants, and the underprivileged, criticized corporate greed, and adopted a liberal attitude towards the gay community. His simplicity, such as his decision to choose a simple wooden coffin, made him popular around the world.

Funeral and next steps

According to the Vatican, the Pope's body will be taken to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning, where people can pay their last respects. The funeral will take place four to six days later, followed by nine days of official mourning. The Pope will be buried in the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major. Cardinals will meet on Tuesday to decide the date of the funeral, and soon the conclave will begin in the Sistine Chapel to select the next Pope.

Conclusion

The death of Pope Francis from a brain stroke is an irreparable loss to the Catholic Church and the world. His recent lung disease weakened his health, and the stroke took his life. His compassion, simplicity, and reformist approach made him the "people's pope." Now, as the Vatican begins the process of selecting a new pope, the world is reflecting on his legacy. Will the next pope follow in his footsteps? That question hinges on the conclave's decision.