Pope Francis Passed Away From Chronic Disease

Pope Francis who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.

The Pope spent thirty-eight days at Gemelli hospital, the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.

However, he emerged on Easter Sunday, a day before his death to bless thousands of people in St Peter's Square and treat them to a surprise Popemobile tour of the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.

Tributes have poured in from leaders around the world after the death of Pope Francis, aged 88.

World leaders from King Charles and Italy’s prime minister to leaders from India, France and the Pope’s home country of Argentina shared their condolences and memories of the pontiff after the Vatican announced the Pope’s death. 

Pope Francis had spent 12 years at the head of the Catholic Church and recently had a lengthy battle with ill health that necessitated weeks of treatment in hospital. 

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on Monday: "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. 

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised. 

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune." 

The pontiff had been hospitalised for weeks battling a complex lung infection which led to early stages of kidney insufficiency.