Pope Francis, the first pope to be elected from the Americas, died on April 21, not long after he was hospitalized with pneumonia and a severe lung infection. Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was 88.
Older adults are more vulnerable to respiratory infections because their immune systems aren’t as strong, even with vaccinations. Breathing can become more difficult because the lungs are less resilient with age. Francis’ lungs were already compromised because he had part of one lung removed after a bout with a pulmonary infection when he was younger. He was also prone to bronchitis in the winter months.
Francis’ condition remained critical when a respiratory crisis required high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions. Testing also showed mild renal failure, but doctors quickly brought it under control. Although the pope recovered and was released on March 25, he died the day after Easter due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, as Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli confirmed via the death certificate.
Pope Francis seemed aware that his health was failing
After the announcement of Pope Francis’ death, it was also revealed that the pope was actually in a coma prior to his death. Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli also shared that Francis also had high blood pressure and diabetes, in addition to his other health issues.
Given his declining health, as well as his advancing age, Pope Francis seemed acutely aware that his death was likely to come sooner rather than later. Following the pontiff’s passing, the Vatican published his spiritual testament, which is actually dated June 2022 — nearly three whole years ago. “As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial,” Pope Francis wrote in the document (via Vatican News).
After providing instructions for his burial at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Francis made it clear that the trials and tribulations of his final years had taken a toll on him. However, he also called for unity upon his eventual death. “May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples,” Francis concluded.
