India, April 21 -- Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff known for his humility and advocacy for the poor, died on Monday at the age of 88. He had been hospitalised at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, due to a respiratory illness, bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia - a lung infection that affects both lungs.

It marked the longest hospital stay of his papacy, lasting 38 days. He had a history of lung problems, having part of his right lung removed in the 1950s.

His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he stepped out to bless thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, receiving warm applause from the crowd.

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the chapel of the Dom...