Concerns about his health have lingered in recent weeks since he was discharged from hospital on March 23 after spending 38 days being treated for double pneumonia. Still, some have been buoyed by hope
Loading VideoVideo UnavailableClick to PlayClick to PlayVideo will auto-play soon8CancelPlay NowPope Francis's Last Trip to the Vatican Before His Death
Although he was in serious condition just weeks ago, the death of Pope Francis has shaken Rome to its core. The pain reflected on the faces of his followers was evident this evening as a prayer was held in his honour in St Peter's Square.
Hundreds of people gathered to express their grief at his loss after the announcement, which sent shock waves through millions around the world, was made this morning. Concerns about his health have continued to plague the public in recent weeks since his discharge from hospital on March 23, where he had been treated for double pneumonia for 38 days. However, some have been left with hope.
There is hope that the pontiff, known as the “Pope of the Poor” for his work with the needy, will live for a little while longer.
He has made several public appearances over the past month.
Despite doctors' advice, he visited Rome's Regina Coeli prison last Thursday, a tradition he observes every year.
On Easter Sunday, he appeared to congratulate those gathered in St. Peter's Square on the holiday, giving a short speech from the Vatican balcony, which was his last public appearance.
On Sunday, he blessed babies as he rode the Popemobile to St. Peter's Basilica, and his followers captured the last moments of his public life.
But they couldn't have known. And they didn't expect to wake up this morning and hear that at 7:35 a.m. Francis had died in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
During his hospitalization, which began on February 14, the public received updates twice a day through daily media briefings from the Holy See Press Office.
At Francis' request, more detailed information about his poor health was provided than ever before.
He wanted information about his condition to be transparent.
So as time passed after his discharge and he made brief public appearances, there arose a natural feeling of hope that order had been restored in the Catholic Church.
For many, this Pope was different and broke traditional boundaries.
He sought to reduce the pomp and ritual of his role, choosing to remain in Casa Marta rather than move to the Apostolic Palace.
He will have a simple wooden coffin, which will not be raised off the ground like other pontiffs, and it will be closed.
Francis, a more liberal pontiff, has touched the hearts of many by investing heavily in efforts to keep Rome's homeless and refugees from becoming social outcasts.
Homeless people also prayed for their Pope in St Peter's Square this evening.
There was a spiritual satisfaction here that of all the days when one could leave this life, it happened on Easter.
But those emotions are now greatly overshadowed by the reality that Francis, seen as a voice of reason in turbulent international times, has died.
“Today is Easter Monday. It is an incredible blessing for him that he passed away on this day,” said Rome resident Angela Maria, who attended evening prayers for Francis in St. Peter's Square while he was in hospital.
She couldn't have imagined that the video her husband shot of Frances driving the Popemobile through the crowd would become so meaningful to her.
“My husband made a video yesterday of his last return to the Vatican from Rome,” she said.
“But we can't hold back our tears,” she added.
“Now we are orphans.”
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
