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Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, Passes Away at 88
The Roman Catholic Church is mourning the loss of its leader, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The Vatican confirmed that the Pontiff died on April 21 at the age of 88.
Vatican Announcement of Pontiff’s Demise
Cardinal Kevin Farrell released a statement obtained by news sources, announcing the passing. “This morning at 7:35, Francis, the Bishop of Rome, returned to the house of the Father,” the statement conveyed. Cardinal Farrell emphasized the Pope’s legacy, adding, “He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with devotion, bravery, and universal compassion, particularly towards the most impoverished and marginalized individuals.”
Recent Health Issues and Hospitalization
Pope Francis’s death follows a period of declining health, including a recent hospitalization for respiratory complications. He was initially admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on February 14 for treatment of lingering bronchitis symptoms. Subsequent evaluations led to a diagnosis of pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Details on Respiratory Illness
The Holy See Press Office issued a statement on February 18 detailing the Pontiff’s condition. It described the overall clinical picture as “complex,” noting that laboratory tests, a thoracic x-ray, and CT scans revealed a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract” and the “onset of bilateral pneumonia that necessitated further pharmaceutical intervention.”
Critical Condition and Treatment
On February 22, the Vatican provided an update indicating the severity of Pope Francis’s condition. Reports from the Vatican stated that further examinations revealed “thrombocytopenia, linked to anemia, requiring the administration of blood transfusions” amidst what was described as Francis’s “critical condition.”
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