Pope Francis: Updates & News - From Hospital To Funeral
Could the recent health struggles and eventual passing of Pope Francis redefine the papacy for generations to come? His pontificate, marked by unprecedented outreach and a relentless focus on the marginalized, has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world.
On March 23, 2025, the world witnessed a poignant moment as Pope Francis waved from a window of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. This followed a five-week hospitalization, primarily for pneumonia. The image, a familiar one of the Pope offering a gesture of hope and resilience, was a beacon of reassurance to the faithful and a testament to his enduring spirit. The Vatican, while acknowledging his critical condition, also reported slight improvements in laboratory tests, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the concern.
Even during his confinement, Pope Francis remained engaged with his duties, resuming some work activities. Notably, he made calls to a parish in Gaza City, demonstrating his continued commitment to those affected by the ongoing conflict. This connection highlighted his deeply rooted concern for global issues, especially humanitarian crises.
The news of his passing on March 23, 2025, at the age of 88, brought shock and mourning across the globe. His death marked the end of an era and ushered in a period of reflection on his legacy. The ceremony to bring the body of Pope Francis into the Basilica of St. Peter's was planned, and the funeral was also broadcast live on the Vatican's news channel on YouTube, allowing millions worldwide to participate in the memorial.
In the days following his passing, the world grappled with the enormity of the loss. Pope Francis, who challenged deeply rooted norms and dedicated his mission to change the perception of the Catholic Church, had left an enduring legacy. He was not only the head of the Catholic Church but also the first Pope of the Americas, a figure who had reshaped the institution with his unique perspective and approach.
The medical journey of Pope Francis, while ultimately culminating in his death, was marked by periods of both concern and hope. In February of the same year, the Vatican had confirmed that he remained in critical condition as he received treatment for double pneumonia. Blood tests had revealed mild renal insufficiency, adding to the gravity of his health situation. This followed a period of several weeks in the hospital.
The public's first glimpse of the Pope after several weeks came on a Sunday when he was discharged from the hospital, making a brief appearance, waving from his window at Rome's Gemelli. His doctors had announced his scheduled discharge on March 23, after he had been hospitalized for over five weeks. The world watched anxiously as his health was followed.
During his hospitalization, Pope Francis was under the care of medical professionals, including Surgeon Sergio Alfieri and his personal doctor, Luigi Carboni. Their updates to the media provided a glimpse into the challenges the Pope faced. The entire situation sparked a worldwide interest and concern, reflecting the immense importance of his role.
Pope Francis's journey has seen him become the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This was a historic move that marked a significant shift. Unlike most of his predecessors, nearly 200 of whom were from Italy, he hailed from the Americas. This background provided a new perspective on global issues.
The emotional and spiritual impact of Pope Francis's pontificate was evident everywhere. During this period, a Catholic nun held a mobile phone showing a photograph of Pope Francis as she attended a nightly rosary prayer service for Pope Francis in St. Peters Square at the Vatican, on March 6, 2025. In contrast, the Pope was frequently the subject of both prayer and reflection.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis repeatedly advocated for peace and understanding. He made appeals for concrete new measures to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. His appeals came after attacks targeting a children's hospital in Kyiv and a school in Gaza. The Pope consistently demonstrated his commitment to peace.
His actions and words consistently displayed a commitment to the well-being of humanity and the world. In the wake of his death, the world paused to reflect on a pontificate that offered not only guidance but also a compelling vision for the future of the Catholic Church.
Before his death, Pope Francis ushered in the new year with an appeal for the faithful to reject abortion, calling for a firm commitment to protect and respect life from conception to natural death. This appeal showcased his ongoing commitment to the moral and ethical responsibilities.
The impact of his death was immediately felt, with news outlets providing extensive coverage. ABC News provided live coverage of his funeral, starting at 3:30 a.m. ET, on ABC stations and streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. His funeral was also broadcast worldwide, reflecting the global impact of his leadership.
The funeral of Pope Francis included a significant processional, with his coffin met by bishops and top cardinals in St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will be buried in a private ceremony later. His lying in state allowed the public to pay respects. Pallbearers paused before the icon of the Madonna that Francis revered in a final salute, and four children lay white roses at the altar of the chapel that contains the icon. This memorial was a symbol of the respect for a life dedicated to faith and service.
News outlets, such as the Vatican staff of Catholic News Agency, provided extensive updates and information on the daily activities of Pope Francis. These reports provided a window into the Pope's daily life and his engagement with the world. These updates helped maintain the public's connection with the Pope.
The Vatican released the first photo of Pope Francis since hospitalization, helping the public to feel more connected. This allowed a more personal connection to the leader of the Catholic Church and helped them feel connected during his recovery.
Before his death, Pope Francis issued a major rebuke to the Trump administrations plans for mass deportations of migrants, warning that the forceful removal of people purely because of their illegal status deprives them of their inherent dignity and will end badly. This further showed his commitment to social justice and human rights. It showcased a compassionate leader who put human needs first.
Many, especially Christians, expressed shock upon the announcement of Pope Francis's death. Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013 and hailed from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the first Pope from the Americas. Pope Benedict XVI, Franciss predecessor, had shocked the world in 2013 when he announced his resignation.
Even in his final years, Pope Francis's impact was felt widely, including in political spheres. The Vaticans charity said that U.S. plans to gut USAID were reckless and could kill millions, while Pope Francis point man on development urged the Trump administration to remember Christian principles about caring for others. These statements underscored his strong stance on social and humanitarian issues.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | March 23, 2025, Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | Argentinian and Vatican City |
| Education | Master's degree in chemistry, philosophy and theology |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Consecration | Titular Bishop of Auca, May 20, 1992 |
| Previous Roles | Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Argentina (1980-1986); Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013); Cardinal (2001-2013) |
| Papal Election | Elected Pope on March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Initiatives & Focus | Emphasis on social justice, mercy, and dialogue. Addressed climate change and poverty. |
| Known For | His humility, simplicity, and focus on the marginalized. His efforts at interfaith dialogue. |
| Notable Documents | Laudato Si', Amoris Laetitia, Fratelli Tutti |
| Legacy | Influenced global politics and the approach to the Catholic Church |
| Reference | Vatican News |
