The world mourns as Pope Francis succumbs to pneumonia at 88

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Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

His death followed a prolonged battle with health issues, including a recent 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, which was the primary cause of his passing.

Just hours before his death, he made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, offering blessings that surprised and uplifted the faithful gathered at St.Peter’s Square.

Throughout his life, Pope Francis faced numerous health challenges that shaped his papacy and personal journey.

At 21, he underwent surgery to remove part of one lung due to a severe infection, an early encounter with serious illness that he reflected on as a profound experience of pain and loneliness.

Chronic conditions such as sciatica, osteoarthritis, and knee ligament tears increasingly limited his mobility in later years, leading him to use a wheelchair more frequently.

In 2021, he underwent colon surgery to address diverticulitis, and recurrent respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia, marked his final years.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church in nearly 1,300 years, breaking a centuries-old tradition.

His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to social justice, humility, and interfaith dialogue, inspiring millions worldwide.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announcing his death, praised him as a genuine disciple of Jesus who embodied the Gospel with bravery and boundless love, especially for the marginalized.

His legacy includes a focus on fraternity and a call for unity across all faiths and cultures, leaving an indelible mark on the Church and global community.