POPE Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic church, has died aged 88 following a “complex” health battle with double pneumonia.
had been hospitalised at the Gemelli hospital in after suffering a bout of bronchitis.
tragic death has plunged 1.4billion Catholics across the globe into mourning.
Francis had been suffering from his latest bout of bronchitis for over a week and was initially taken to hospital on Friday, February 14.
His condition appeared to worsen as doctors had to change treatment for the Pope's respiratory tract infection due to a “complex clinical situation”.
And it was then confirmed he was suffering from double pneumonia after undergoing an X-Ray.
Pope Francis was unable to deliver his traditional Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square last week or lead a special mass for artists to mark the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.
A planned visit to Rome's Cinecittà film studios for Monday was also cancelled.
The pontiff's doctors had earlier ordered complete rest for the 88-year-old.
But despite previously describing his condition as “stable”, the Vatican released an update on Saturday evening saying he had taken a turn after
The 88-year-old underwent blood transfusions and was described as “more unwell” than the day before and in a “critical” condition.
He was said to be alert and in an armchair as blood tests revealed “thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia”.
The Vatican said at the time that “the prognosis is reserved”.
On Sunday, the Vatican had said the Pope spent a “tranquil” ninth night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
In a heartfelt note, he had expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers he received.
Francis said on Sunday: “I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!
“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”;
Francis added that he had been particularly touched by the drawings and letters from children, thanking the faithful for their prayers and offering to entrust everyone to Mary’s intercession.
He said: “In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.
“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”
But, two people close to the Pontiff claimed Francis told them he “might not make it this time”, according to a report by Politico.
He had reportedly warned his aides that he .
Francis had spent 12 years working as the church's most beloved figure after succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
The Argentine had worked as a bouncer before turning to the priesthood after recovering from pneumonia back in 1958.
Francis took over the role of Pope in 2014 – and had been seen as an outspoken moderniser, reformist and progressive.
He had championed the decriminalisation of homosexuality, warned against threats to democracy, and supported the cause of refugees.
The religious leader had fought off a long history of health issues both as a young and old man, including three previous hospitalisations since he became the Pope in 2013.
Francis had part of his lung removed as a young man in and has suffered from reoccurring bouts of bronchitis.
He spent three days at the Gemelli hospital – which has a special suite for treating popes – in 2023 for an acute case of pneumonia.
The pontiff was rushed to hospital on 29 March, 2023, after he felt a sharp pain in his chest and experienced breathing difficulties.
He also spent nine days in hospital, just a few months later, for abdominal surgery.
This saw doctors remove scar tissue and repair an abdominal hernia.
The Pope also had a piece of his large intestine removed in 2021, and spent 10 days in the Gemelli hospital.
LIFE OF SERVICE
Pope Francis made history when he became the first leader of the Catholic Church from the Americas.
The 76-year-old Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was given his new name after he was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI on 13 March, 2013.
He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December, 1936, to Italian immigrants.
Francis was ordained a priest on 13 December 1969 and trained in Spain for a year before moving back to Argentina.
When he became the Pope, he shunned a grand papal apartment and chose to live in a modest two-room residence.
