POPE Francis was the head of the Catholic Church for over a decade between 2013 and 2025.
On April 21, 2025, it was announced that the pontiff had sadly passed away aged 88 following a “complex” battle with double pneumonia.
Pope Francis replaced Pope Benedict in 2013
Did Pope Francis have a wife?
Pope Francis didn’t have a wife — he was celibate.
Only four popes in history have been married.
When a pope is ordained, there are a number of rules they have to follow.
They must speak multiple languages, meet with heads of state and lead mass services, as well as remaining celibate.
The reason for the celibacy is so that popes can focus entirely on their beliefs and the task at hand.
Did Pope Francis have any children?
Pope Francis did not have any children.
Celibacy is the act of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, so Francis would not have been able to do so.
In 2016, he released a children’s book named Dear Pope Francis, in which he responded to letters sent to him by children around the world.
He caused a stir in 2022 when he claimed that replacing children with pets in a family was selfish.
Cause of death
On April 21, 2025, the announcement was made that Pope Francis had died aged 88 following a battle with double pneumonia.
He was being treated at the Gemelli hospital in Rome after suffering a bout of bronchitis.
When doctors had to change treatment for the Pope’s respiratory tract infection due to a “complex clinical situation”, his condition appeared to worsen.
It was later confirmed that he was suffering from double pneumonia after undergoing an X-Ray, with the Vatican saying at the time that “the prognosis is reserved”.
According to a report by Politico, two people close to the Pope claimed he told them he “might not make it this time”.
Francis had reportedly also warned his aides that he might not survive his battle.
The pontiff added that he had been particularly touched by the drawings and letters from children he had received.
He also thanked the faithful for their prayers and offering to entrust everyone to Mary’s intercession.
He said: “In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.
“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”
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