Francis was 76 when he was elected to the post, and his health was generally good for most of his papacy. He recovered well from intestinal surgery in 2021, but a year later, a nagging knee problem forced him to slow down. He was never keen on exercise, and the restriction of a wheelchair and a cane led to a visible increase in his weight.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness on Monday morning (April 21). “At 7:35 am (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.Francis was 76 when he was elected to the post, and his health was generally good for most of his papacy. He recovered well from intestinal surgery in 2021, but a year later, a nagging knee problem forced him to slow down. He was never keen on exercise, and the restriction of a wheelchair and a cane led to a visible increase in his weight.
He was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
