On the morning of April 21, 2025—Easter Monday—Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. in his Vatican apartment, aged 88, bringing an end to his lengthy struggles with respiratory difficulties. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Francis' death with both reverence and sorrow: "With deep regret, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis... His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. 

Pope Francis' death was not unexpected. The Pope had long struggled with chronic respiratory issues, which began decades ago. In 1957, as a young man in Argentina, he had surgery to remove a portion of his lung due to a serious infection. His respiratory system became more susceptible to sickness in the years following his partial lung surgery. 

In February of this year, bronchitis, an airway irritation that causes breathing difficulties, brought Pope Francis to the hospital. His condition developed into bilateral pneumonia, which is an infection of both lungs. After 38 days in the hospital, he returned to the Vatican, but his health remained frail. 

Pneumonia in the elderly is potentially fatal. As people age, their immune systems weaken, and earlier lung damage, such as Pope Francis', might impede recovery. His previous operation, frequent colds, and senior age weakened his lungs' ability to fight infections. 

Influenza and lung irritation forced him to cancel his foreign travel in 2023. By April 2024, he had already authorised a revised papal burial handbook, perhaps recognising that his time was coming. The new ritual focuses on simplicity, faith, and humility. According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Pope Francis intended the funeral to symbolise a shepherd's gentle service rather than authority. 

The cause of death has not been mentioned beyond "a worsening clinical condition," but given his long respiratory history, medical experts believe complications from pneumonia are the most likely cause. 

For many elderly people, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses, even mild infections can have a significant impact. Pope Francis's death emphasises the silent weight of lung diseases in old age—and how early-life health setbacks can cast long shadows over a person's life.