Table of Contents
Introduction
Pope Francis’s cause of death has drawn global attention, not only for its medical implications but also as the end of a profound era in the Catholic Church. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following complications from a stroke and chronic lung disease.
Known for his compassionate leadership, humble lifestyle, and global advocacy on behalf of the poor, his papacy redefined modern Catholicism. His estimated net worth was approximately $16 million at the time of his death, though he lived modestly in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. With a height of 5 feet 9 inches, grey hair, and dark brown eyes, Pope Francis projected a warm yet dignified presence.
This article explores not only the circumstances surrounding Pope Francis’s cause of death but also his early life, education, rise to the papacy, leadership style, and lasting impact on the global Church.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Papal Name | Pope Francis |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1936 |
| Date of Death | April 21, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 88 years old |
| Pope Francis’s Cause of Death | Complications from chronic lung disease and a stroke |
| Key Health Events | • 1957: Pneumonia, partial lung removal • 2023–2025: Chronic lung issues, reduced mobility • April 2025: Stroke, respiratory crisis |
| Nationality | Argentine (of Italian descent) |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Date Ordained | December 13, 1969 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Key Encyclical | Laudato Si’ (2015) – Environmental care and climate change |
| Notable Quotes | “Who am I to judge?” “The Church must be a field hospital for the wounded.” |
| Physical Appearance | Height: 5’9” (1.75 m) Weight: 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $16 million |
| Residence as Pope | Vatican guesthouse (Casa Santa Marta), not the Apostolic Palace |
Pope Francis’s Cause of Death: Final Days and Health Struggles
Pope Francis died in the early hours of April 21, 2025, following complications from chronic lung disease and a stroke. In his final weeks, he battled pneumonia and respiratory crises, leading to reduced public appearances. His last address took place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, where he delivered a message of hope despite his visible frailty.
Key Health Milestones
- 1957: At 21, he survived life-threatening pneumonia, resulting in the removal of part of his right lung.
- 2023–2025: Chronic lung issues and mobility challenges due to knee pain limited his engagements.
- April 2025: He was hospitalized briefly before his death, with the Vatican citing “natural causes related to age.”
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in the Flores neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the eldest of five children in a family of Italian immigrants. He attended Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles school and later graduated as a chemical technician from Escuela Técnica Industrial Nº 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen.
After recovering from a severe illness in his early twenties, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969.
Childhood Influences
- Italian Roots: His family fled Italy in 1929 to escape fascism under Mussolini.
- Early Work: As a teen, he worked as a janitor, chemical technician, and nightclub bouncer to support his studies.
- Religious Awakening: A confession at age 17 sparked his vocation, leading him to join the Jesuits in 1958.
Education
Early Education
Pope Francis attended various schools in Buenos Aires, where he excelled academically. He enrolled at the Jesuit-run Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción, where he developed a deep appreciation for education and the Jesuit values of service and leadership.
Religious Studies
In 1958, he joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, and began his formal religious training. He studied philosophy at the Colegio Máximo de San José in San Miguel, Argentina, and then pursued theology studies at the same institution. His years with the Jesuits had a profound influence on his spiritual development and understanding of social issues.
Ordination and Early Ministry
Pope Francis was ordained a priest in 1969. He quickly gained recognition for his pastoral work and commitment to social justice. His early ministry involved working in various parishes, where he focused on serving the poor and marginalised communities.
Leadership Style: A Pope of the People
Key Tenets of His Papacy
- Humility: Lived in a Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace, emphasising simplicity.
- Social Justice: Advocated for refugees, the poor, and marginalised communities, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” regarding LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Environmental Advocacy: Issued Laudato Si’ (2015), a groundbreaking encyclical on climate change.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Fostered ties with Muslim, Jewish, and Orthodox leaders, including a historic 2016 meeting with Russian Patriarch Kirill.
Controversies and Reforms
- Church Scandals: Addressed clerical abuse by mandating accountability measures in 2019.
- Financial Transparency: Overhauled Vatican finances to combat corruption.
- Traditionalist Resistance: Faced pushback for relaxing restrictions on divorcees and promoting inclusivity.
Rise to the Papacy
Bergoglio served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina from 1973 to 1979 and later became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Known for his humility and dedication to the poor, he was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, taking the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi.
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters)
- Weight: Around 74 kg (163 lbs)
- Hair Colour: Grey
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Complexion: Fair
- Build: Average
Net Worth and Personal Life
Pope Francis’s estimated net worth was around $16 million, primarily from his salary and other allowances as the head of the Catholic Church. He never married and had no children, dedicating his life entirely to his religious vocation.
Leadership Style and Impact
Pope Francis was recognised for his progressive stance on various issues, including climate change, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. He emphasised the importance of mercy, humility, and service to the marginalised. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Church and make it more inclusive.
Impact on the Catholic Church
Global Influence
- First Jesuit Pope: Prioritized pastoral care over dogma.
- First Non-European Pope in 1,200 Years: Shifted focus to the Global South.
- Synodality: Encouraged lay participation in church governance.
Quotable Legacy
“The Church must be a field hospital for the wounded, not a tollhouse for the perfect.”
— Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (2013)
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
| 1936 | Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 1958 | Joined the Jesuits |
| 1969 | Ordained as a priest |
| 2013 | Elected Pope; chose the name Francis |
| 2015 | Published Laudato Si’ |
| 2016 | Met Patriarch Kirill in Cuba |
| 2019 | Hosted Amazon Synod, addressing Indigenous rights |
| 2023 | Limited public appearances due to health issues |
| 2025 | Died on April 21, buried in Vatican Grottoes |
Conclusion
Pope Francis redefined the papacy through humility, inclusivity, and a relentless focus on those who are marginalised. From his immigrant roots to his battle against clericalism, he embodied the Gospel’s call to serve “the least of these.”
Though his death closes a transformative chapter, his vision for a compassionate, eco-conscious Church endures. In an era of polarisation, Francis reminded the world that mercy, not judgment, is the heart of faith.
FAQs
Numerous popes throughout history have violated this norm, despite their vows of celibacy. Popes who were married, had lovers, long-term relationships, and even had children are among them. It has even been reported that certain popes throughout history are the sons of former popes who were coerced into becoming the current leader.
Francis has a reputation for humility and has introduced numerous reforms to the Church, making him the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order.
Argentina’s Buenos Aires is where Pope Francis was born. He was a child of housewife Regina Maria Bergoglio (née Sívori) and Italian railway accountant Mario Bergoglio. He graduated from the University of Buenos Aires with a master’s degree in philosophy and religion.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is shown in a file photo from August 8, 2015, sitting in St. Peter’s Basilica while attending the inauguration of the Holy Year. According to a report on The Vatican News website, Pope Emeritus Benedict reportedly said, “Lord, I love you,” just before he passed away.
