Pope Francis Health Update: Latest News & Developments
What does it mean when the leader of the Catholic Church appears in public without the familiar trappings of his office? The image of Pope Francis, stripped of his papal attire, appearing at St. Peter's Basilica on April 10, 2025, sparked immediate concern and a flurry of speculation about his health.
EWTN News reported from Vatican City on April 11, 2025, at 09:38 am, capturing a moment that underscored the fragility of even the most powerful figures. The pontiff, known for his global influence and steadfast commitment to his faith, was seen at St. Peter's Basilica, but the scene was unusual, absent the familiar papal regalia. The news, quickly circulated globally, heightened existing anxieties about the 88-year-old Pope, who had already been facing a series of health challenges, and quickly became a significant moment to assess the state of the leader of the Catholic Church. Subsequently, it was announced that his body had been lying in state since Wednesday, April 23.
The pontiff, who had been suffering from health problems over the past several years, had a peaceful night on Saturday, after recovering from a coughing fit. In November 17, 2024, in Vatican City, he had held his homily during holy mass for world day of the poor at st. Peter's basilica. Earlier, on April 6, 2025, in the Vatican, he had spoken to the faithful at the end of a mass in st. Peter's square in a wheelchair. The news was concerning because of the pope's health issues, but also because he was admired by all. Prayers for his health are ongoing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936 (age 88) in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religious Beliefs | Catholicism |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, Philosophy, Theology |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | Ordained as a bishop on June 27, 1992 |
| Cardinalate | Created a Cardinal on February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II |
| Papal Election | Elected Pope on March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate Start | March 13, 2013 |
| Significant Work | Focus on social justice, environmental issues, and reform within the Catholic Church; Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" |
| Links | Vatican Website |
| Health Issues | Suffered from health problems, including diverticulitis and hernia surgeries, and double pneumonia. |
| Death | Died on Monday morning at age 88. |
The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, provided updates on Pope Francis's recovery from bilateral pneumonia, he shared this information on Friday. Bruni stated that the Pope's health was stable, and that there were slight improvements in his respiratory and motor functions, as well as in his speech. Prayers were pouring in for Francis's recovery. Pilgrims who had planned to attend his weekly general audience came to St. Peter's Square anyway to offer a prayer after it was announced that the Pope was recovering from pneumonia.
This recent hospitalization wasn't Pope Francis first serious health challenge. In 2021, he underwent surgery for diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal condition, and again in 2023 for a hernia. Vice President J.D. Vance, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, said, Let's all say a prayer for Pope Francis, who appears to have some serious health issues.
The Pope's health crisis has drawn global attention, with the pontiffs official X account (formerly Twitter) becoming a focal point for expressions of concern and solidarity. A parishioner touched an image of Pope Francis during a prayer service for his health outside the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, on Monday, Feb. The photo, by Marco Ugarte of the Associated Press, offered a visual representation of the widespread concern.
A day after Pope Francis surprised pilgrims by appearing inside St. Peters Basilica in a wheelchair, draped in a blanket, and wearing a white undershirt and black pants instead of his usual attire, the image of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, kneeling in front of a reproduction of the mosaic of the Madonna della Colonna (Madonna of the Column) during a rosary vigil prayer held for the health of Pope Francis in St. Peters Square at the Vatican, on Monday, Feb., echoed the sentiments of millions. Prayers for the health of Pope Francis have been held every night in St. Peter's.
After days of cautious optimism and two weeks in a hospital with pneumonia in both lungs, Pope Francis on Friday suffered another respiratory crisis, renewing concerns about the prognosis for the pontiff's health. The health of Pope Francis showed a slight improvement, unlike news over the weekend.
The fact is that, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, died Monday morning at age 88. The first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike most of his predecessorsnearly 200 of whom were from Italyhe hailed from Argentina. His death marked a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church, bringing an end to a pontificate that was defined by compassion, reform, and a deep connection with the world.
