Millions in mourning as beloved pope (88) passes—here’s what we know so far
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The world often pauses when news emerges from the heart of the Vatican—especially when it involves the leader of the Catholic Church.
What began as a quiet Monday morning quickly unfolded into a significant moment in modern religious history.
What followed left millions reflecting on a legacy marked by resilience, compassion and an unyielding devotion to service.
The Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, just over an hour after he reportedly woke to start his day.
The 88-year-old pontiff passed away at 7:35 am in his Santa Marta residence, only 90 minutes after his alarm went off.
It was reported that he became unwell shortly after 7:00 am.
His official death certificate, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, listed the cause as ‘cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse’.
He had just been discharged from a lengthy hospital stay after battling double pneumonia.
The illness had nearly taken his life and marked one of several serious health scares in recent years.
The Vatican noted his recent struggle with acute respiratory failure stemming from the infection.
It was also revealed he suffered from arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectasis and Type 2 diabetes, which had not been publicly disclosed before.
Despite his health issues, Pope Francis continued to engage in public life and international travel until the very end.
In September 2024, he embarked on a 12-day tour across South-East Asia and Oceania, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.
On Easter Sunday, he made a surprise appearance in St Peter’s Square, offering blessings to the faithful just hours before his death.
Back in July 2021, he had undergone colon surgery to remove part of his intestine due to diverticulitis.
The pontiff also dealt with mobility issues in his later years, frequently using a wheelchair and cancelling events due to chronic sciatica and joint pain.
He had been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his knee and suffered from chronic osteoarthritis.
His health had been a concern since his early 20s when he had part of his lung removed after a severe infection, believed to be pneumonia or a lung cyst.
Throughout his papacy, he also dealt with intermittent heart issues, including an irregular heartbeat, though they were largely managed without incident.
Double pneumonia, the condition he had recently faced, inflames the air sacs in both lungs and can cause them to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.
The severity of the infection often increases when both lungs are affected.
Francis’s last hospital stay lasted 38 days before he returned home to continue his recovery.
Despite the setbacks, he remained deeply committed to his duties and faith, appearing in public and engaging with the global Catholic community until his final days.
The Vatican shared the news of his death in a solemn video statement on 21 April.
‘Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,’ the announcement read.
‘At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
‘His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.’
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, paid tribute to the late pope’s legacy.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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 Triune God.’
Pope Francis’s passing marked the end of a remarkable era shaped by humility, global outreach and a tireless commitment to social justice.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid his respects at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, meeting with Monsignor Stuart Hall in the wake of the announcement.
He also gave a speech about the pope.
Source: Youtube/Sky News Australia
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, we honour his dedication and service to the Church. May his soul rest in peace.
What began as a quiet Monday morning quickly unfolded into a significant moment in modern religious history.
What followed left millions reflecting on a legacy marked by resilience, compassion and an unyielding devotion to service.
The Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, just over an hour after he reportedly woke to start his day.
The 88-year-old pontiff passed away at 7:35 am in his Santa Marta residence, only 90 minutes after his alarm went off.
It was reported that he became unwell shortly after 7:00 am.
His official death certificate, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, listed the cause as ‘cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse’.
He had just been discharged from a lengthy hospital stay after battling double pneumonia.
The illness had nearly taken his life and marked one of several serious health scares in recent years.
The Vatican noted his recent struggle with acute respiratory failure stemming from the infection.
It was also revealed he suffered from arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectasis and Type 2 diabetes, which had not been publicly disclosed before.
Despite his health issues, Pope Francis continued to engage in public life and international travel until the very end.
In September 2024, he embarked on a 12-day tour across South-East Asia and Oceania, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.
On Easter Sunday, he made a surprise appearance in St Peter’s Square, offering blessings to the faithful just hours before his death.
Back in July 2021, he had undergone colon surgery to remove part of his intestine due to diverticulitis.
The pontiff also dealt with mobility issues in his later years, frequently using a wheelchair and cancelling events due to chronic sciatica and joint pain.
He had been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his knee and suffered from chronic osteoarthritis.
His health had been a concern since his early 20s when he had part of his lung removed after a severe infection, believed to be pneumonia or a lung cyst.
Throughout his papacy, he also dealt with intermittent heart issues, including an irregular heartbeat, though they were largely managed without incident.
Double pneumonia, the condition he had recently faced, inflames the air sacs in both lungs and can cause them to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.
The severity of the infection often increases when both lungs are affected.
Francis’s last hospital stay lasted 38 days before he returned home to continue his recovery.
Despite the setbacks, he remained deeply committed to his duties and faith, appearing in public and engaging with the global Catholic community until his final days.
The Vatican shared the news of his death in a solemn video statement on 21 April.
‘Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,’ the announcement read.
‘At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
‘His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.’
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, paid tribute to the late pope’s legacy.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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 Triune God.’
Pope Francis’s passing marked the end of a remarkable era shaped by humility, global outreach and a tireless commitment to social justice.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid his respects at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, meeting with Monsignor Stuart Hall in the wake of the announcement.
He also gave a speech about the pope.
Source: Youtube/Sky News Australia
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, we honour his dedication and service to the Church. May his soul rest in peace.
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