Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away at 88 after a critical health battle. The late head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, who was since 2013, passed away on April 21, following long battles with respiratory illnesses, kidney failure, and declining health.
Francis, originally from Argentina, was the first Catholic pontiff from the Americas, and began his career as a Jesuit priest in Argentina and later served as archbishop of Buenos Aires and a cardinal. He was elected as the Pope on March 13, 2013.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican's TV channel, "Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father."
On Sunday, Easter day, Pope Francis entered St. Peter's Square in an open-air popemobile shortly after midday, greeting cheering crowds. He had also offered a special blessing for the first time since Christmas.
The 88-year-old was suffering from a prolonged illness, specifically a "double pneumonia". hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, for a respiratory tract infection, which he had been fighting since early in the same month.
According to the Vatican, the infection worsened and developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
However, he was discharged from Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital on March 23, 2025, after a five-week stay at the same facility.
What is double pneumonia?
Double pneumonia, which is also known as ‘bilateral pneumonia’, is a condition where pneumonia affects both lungs. This means an infection is present in both the left and right lungs. It is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.
With pneumonia, the air sacs may fill with fluid or pus. The infection can be life-threatening to anyone, particularly infants, children, and people over 65 with underlying lung disease who receive immunosuppressive therapy.
While symptoms include a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing, antibiotics can treat many forms of pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented by vaccines.
How does double pneumonia occur?
Double pneumonia, also known as bilateral pneumonia, happens when an infection, typically bacterial or viral, affects both lungs simultaneously. This can occur due to various factors, including weakened immune systems, underlying health conditions, or exposure to pathogens.
When a lung infection, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, spreads to both lungs, the condition might worsen. This means the air sacs (alveoli) in both lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Infection: Pneumonia, whether it affects one or both lungs, is typically caused by infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Inflammation: When these pathogens enter the lungs, they trigger an inflammatory response. This causes the air sacs (alveoli) to fill with fluid and pus.
Spread to both lungs: In double pneumonia, this inflammatory process affects both the right and left lungs.
Breathing difficulties: The fluid and inflammation in the alveoli make it harder for the lungs to exchange oxygen with the bloodstream, leading to shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties.
Cause of double pneumonia:
Double pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that infect both lungs. Common culprits include bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and viruses like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A weakened immune system, chronic conditions, or older age can also increase the risk of developing double pneumonia.
Here's a more detailed look at the causes:
Infections:
Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal bacteria), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae are common bacterial causes.
Viruses: Influenza (the flu), RSV, and even COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia in both lungs.
Fungi: Fungal infections, like those caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii or Histoplasma, are less common but can affect those with weakened immune systems.
Risk factors:
Weakened immune system: Conditions that impair the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, leukemia, or prolonged steroid use, increase the risk of developing pneumonia.
Chronic conditions: People with chronic diseases like diabetes, COPD, heart disease, or kidney disease are more susceptible to pneumonia.
Older age: The elderly are at higher risk due to age-related decline in immune function.
Smoking: Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco impair the body's ability to clear mucus, making it harder to fight off infections.
Other factors: Hospitalization, exposure to pollutants, and certain medical procedures can also increase the risk of pneumonia.
Symptoms:
Double pneumonia shares symptoms with regular pneumonia, but can be more severe. These symptoms include fever, cough (often with phlegm), shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and rapid heart rate. In some cases, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, confusion or disorientation may also occur.
Key symptoms:
Fever: High body temperature, potentially with chills.
Cough: Persistent cough, often producing phlegm or mucus.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even during rest.
Chest pain: Pain in the chest, which may worsen with breathing or coughing.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness.
Rapid heart rate: Increased heart rate.
Other possible symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain.
Confusion/disorientation: Especially in older adults.
Treatment:
Double pneumonia treatment is generally the same as for single pneumonia, focusing on addressing the underlying cause (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and managing symptoms. Treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, and antifungals for fungal infections. In addition, supportive care like rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms.
Treatment options:
Antibiotics: Can be used to treat bacterial pneumonia, but not for viral infections.
Antiviral medications: May be used for certain viral pneumonias.
Antifungal medications: Used for pneumonia caused by fungal infections.
Supportive care: Includes rest, fluids, and avoiding smoke.
Hospitalization: May be necessary for severe cases or when complications develop.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: This option may be recommended for recovery after hospitalization.
Important considerations:Severity: The treatment plan will be adjusted based on the severity of the pneumonia and any complications.
Age and health: The treatment may also be tailored to the individual's age and overall health.
Complications: Pneumonia can lead to complications like respiratory failure, sepsis, and organ failure, which may require more intensive care. If untreated, double pneumonia can be life-threatening and can lead to complications like respiratory failure or even death.
Who was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in December 1936. He was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death. He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.
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