Pope Francis' health battles in full from life-changing surgery to devoted final days
Pope Francis, who has passed away at the age of 88, endured a number of health issues in his later years but remained as fiercely opinionated as ever on subjects such as Donald Trump's immigration policies and the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Pope Francis suffered from several health complaints but remained vocal on the issues that defined his papacy, even as his body failed him.
The leader of the Catholic Church, who is remembered for his more tolerant approach to religion, has passed away at the age of 88 after having suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis. The Vatican has confirmed the Argentine pontiff, whose 12-year papacy began in March 2013, died two months after his treatment for bronchitis at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news that the Pope passed away at around 7.30am on Easter Monday. The 88-year-old was admitted for treatment for bronchitis on February 14, a fter he had difficulties breathing during one of his meetings.
As a result of his hospitalisation, the pontiff's events were subsequently cancelled. Since he was taken to the hospital, the Vatican released regular updates on his condition.
The Holy See's announcement comes after a spokesperson shared that the pope's respiratory tract infection had sparked a 'complex clinical picture', meaning that further hospital treatment would be required. Before his death, it was revealed that blood tests showed that Pope Francis was also in the early stages of "initial, mild, kidney failure," but he remained alert and in good spirits.
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Just yesterday, the Pope wished thousands of worshippers a "Happy Easter" as he appeared in a wheelchair at the Vatican's St Peter's Square. Addressing the cheering crowd, he said: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter."
His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member. Interestingly, it was during a health crisis that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was inspired to dedicate his life to his faith.
After leaving school, the Buenos Aires-born pontiff qualified as a chemical technician and began working in the food processing industry. However, his true vocation came calling at the age of 21 after a serious bout of pleurisy - inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain - left him requiring surgery to have part of one of his lungs removed.
Pope Francis later recalled that his calling first became apparent after he stopped off at church on his way to join friends for a holiday celebration. He recalled: 'It surprised me, caught me with my guard down. After entering the Jesuit novitiate in 1958, Pope Francis studied humanities, philosophy and theology in Chile and Argentina. He was then ordained as a priest in 1969, rising to become archbishop and then cardinal.
In his final years, Pope Francis dealt with a series of growing health issues, which meant he was forced to cancel or postpone engagements. Colon surgery followed a bout of sciatica, and he also began using a wheelchair on account of his knee problems.
Even as his health worsened, however, Pope Francis continued to speak out on issues that were his passion, condemning US President Donald Trump 's plans for the mass deportation of migrants, with the warning that it would 'end badly'.
Francis had been scheduled to deliver Mass on Sunday, February 23, in St. Peter's Basilica, where deacons were ordained as part of the Vatican's yearlong Holy Year commemoration. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the organiser of the Holy Year, held the Mass in his place, offering a special prayer for Francis from the altar before delivering the homily prepared by the Pope.
A pre-written message prepared for Francis to read before the congregation said he was "confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!"
Asking believers for their prayers, Pope Francis also noted the upcoming anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which he described as "a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity." He continued: "While I renew my closeness to the tormented Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, in Israel and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu and in Sudan."
On February 23, as well wishes flooded in from all over the world, a message was posted from the Pope's social media accounts, which read: "I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!"
Tragically, for the first time since becoming pope in 2013, Pope Francis had missed the majority of events this week, including Saturday's Easter vigil at St Peter's Basilica. He had delegated his duties but during a brief appearance, he gave sweets to children.
When he was released from the hospital in March, doctors had said he would need rest at home for at least two months. It's expected that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place in St Peter's Square.
His body will lie at St Peter's Basilica, allowing dignitaries and some of the faithful to pay their final respects. In what will be one final signature break with papal tradition for the often divisive pope, Pope Francis previously disclosed plans to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, not the Vatican - a signifier of his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
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