Shortly before Pope Francis I’s death, a phone rang in the pope’s residence. “Hold on…,” said a male voice, followed by a long ring. In February, the pope’s health deteriorated.
He was hospitalized with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. Despite his poor health, Francis I continued his work, inspiring people with faith and hope for the best.
On April 20, the pope greeted the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The pope looked weak and frail. He could not drink or eat on his own, moved around in a wheelchair, and could barely move his hands.
In his last speech, the pope expressed his hope for world peace. The pope called for peace in the Middle East and the South Caucasus.
Speaking about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Pope expressed his deep sympathy for these nations. Italian journalists speculate that the Pope’s departure may have been caused by a stroke.
Francis I died at the age of 89.
