Pope Francis’ Health: Latest Updates
- VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis died this Monday at 7:35 a.m.
- Cardinal Kevin Farrell communicated the news, stating, "This morning at 7:35 am, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the father's house." The Vatican has not yet released...
- According to the holy See press service, the cause of death will "probably" be made public later this Monday, following an official observation.
Pope Francis Dies at 88; Cause of Death Unspecified
Table of Contents
- Pope Francis Dies at 88; Cause of Death Unspecified
- Concerns Over Pope’s health Preceded Death
- February Health Scare
- A History of Health Issues
- Pope Francis: A Life in Question and Answer
- What happened to Pope Francis?
- When did pope Francis die?
- What was the Pope’s age at the time of his death?
- What is the most recent source of concern regarding the Pope’s health?
- What was the nature of the health scare Pope francis experienced in February?
- How serious was Pope Francis’s condition during his hospitalization?
- What health problems did Pope Francis have historically?
- When did Pope Francis return to the Vatican after his last hospitalization?
- What medical recommendations did the Pope’s doctors provide after his return to the Vatican?
- what are some of the key health issues Pope Francis faced?
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis died this Monday at 7:35 a.m. at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The specific cause of death was not promptly disclosed.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell communicated the news, stating, “This morning at 7:35 am, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the father’s house.” The Vatican has not yet released details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the holy See press service, the cause of death will “probably” be made public later this Monday, following an official observation.
Concerns Over Pope’s health Preceded Death
The pontiff’s declining health had been a source of concern. Earlier in 2025, he was hospitalized for five weeks, suffering from double pneumonia and renal failure.
February Health Scare
A Vatican medical bulletin released on February 18 described a “polymicrobial infection, which occurred in a context of bronchitasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and which required the use of cortisone antibiotic therapy, makes therapeutic treatment more complex.”
While his condition appeared to improve,allowing him to resume some public appearances,such as a brief appearance on Easter sunday,concerns lingered.
Sergio Alfieri, the Pope’s personal doctor, told Corriere della Sera that Francis came close to death twice during his hospitalization earlier this year. alfieri said that on February 28, there was “a risk that he does not get out of it.”
“We had to choose between stopping, let him go, or force, despite a very high risk of damaging other organs,” he said. “That night” (February 28) “was terrible,he knew,like us,that he might not survive at night. We saw the man who was suffering.”
Following his return to the Vatican on March 23, Francis was visibly weakened. Doctors recommended a two-month rest period,including motor and respiratory physiotherapy sessions,according to a Vatican press release on April 11.
A History of Health Issues
In addition to recent ailments,Pope Francis had a history of health problems,including a partial lung removal at age 21.
He was hospitalized in 2021 for colon surgery. In 2022, he received treatment for chronic knee pain, which significantly limited his mobility and required him to use a wheelchair.
In March 2023, he was again hospitalized due to bronchitis and then underwent surgery on June 7 for a risk of intestinal occlusion. These health issues led to the cancellation or postponement of several trips over the years.
Pope Francis: A Life in Question and Answer
What happened to Pope Francis?
Pope Francis died on Monday at 7:35 a.m.,at the age of 88,according to the Vatican. The exact cause of death was not immediately disclosed.the Vatican announced the news, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell stating that “the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the father’s house.” The Vatican has indicated that the cause of death will likely be made public later on Monday.
When did pope Francis die?
Pope Francis died on Monday at 7:35 a.m.
What was the Pope’s age at the time of his death?
Pope Francis was 88 years old when he died.
What is the most recent source of concern regarding the Pope’s health?
The article states that the pontiff’s declining health had been a recent source of concern, including a five-week hospitalization earlier in 2025 due to double pneumonia and renal failure.
What was the nature of the health scare Pope francis experienced in February?
In February,a Vatican medical bulletin described a “polymicrobial infection,which occurred in a context of bronchitasis and asthmatic bronchitis,and which required the use of cortisone antibiotic therapy.” The infection made therapeutic treatment more complex.
How serious was Pope Francis’s condition during his hospitalization?
Pope Francis’s personal doctor, Sergio Alfieri, told Corriere della Sera that Francis came close to death twice during his recent hospitalization. Alfieri said on February 28, there was “a risk that he does not get out of it.” The article references quotes from his doctor.
What health problems did Pope Francis have historically?
Pope Francis had a history of health issues, including:
A partial lung removal at age 21.
Hospitalization in 2021 for colon surgery.
Treatment in 2022 for chronic knee pain, requiring a wheelchair.
Hospitalization in March 2023 due to bronchitis, followed by surgery on June 7 for a risk of intestinal occlusion.
When did Pope Francis return to the Vatican after his last hospitalization?
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23 following his most recent hospitalization. He was visibly weakened upon his return.
What medical recommendations did the Pope’s doctors provide after his return to the Vatican?
Following his return, doctors recommended a two-month rest period, alongside motor and respiratory physiotherapy sessions.
what are some of the key health issues Pope Francis faced?
The following table summarizes Pope Francis’s notable health challenges:
| Year | Health Issue | Details |
| ——– | —————————————- | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Age 21 | Partial Lung Removal | |
| 2021 | Colon Surgery | Hospitalization required. |
| 2022 | Chronic Knee Pain | Limited mobility; required a wheelchair. |
| 2023 | Bronchitis,Intestinal Occlusion (Risk) | Hospitalized in march; surgery on June 7 to address a risk of intestinal occlusion. These issues led to cancellation or postponements of visits over the years. |
| 2025 | Double Pneumonia, Renal Failure | Hospitalized for five weeks. |