A timeline of Pope Francis' final weeks before he passed away on Easter Monday Just a few weeks after being discharged from the hospital where he had been receiving treatment for severe respiratory issues, Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21. The pontiff had been admitted to the hospital for five weeks with a serious case of pneumonia that had affected both of his lungs. The official cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed by the Vatican. The 88-year-old pope made a few public appearances following his release, including one final one on Easter Sunday, when he greeted thousands of faithful gathered outside the Vatican, despite his fragile condition. Pope Francis had been recuperating at his Casa Santa Marta residence since his release at the end of March. The Vatican reported that his condition was improving a week before his death. Francis, who became the 266th pope in 2013, has left a legacy of compassion, reform, and international outreach. A timeline of his passing-related events On February 6: A diagnosis and Stay in the Hospital In the beginning, Pope Francis was diagnosed with pneumonia in both of his lungs, a serious respiratory infection. The 28th of February: A Critical Moment The pope was hospitalized for multiple episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency," according to reports from the Vatican. After severe bronchospasms, which are similar to attacks of asthma, doctors performed bronchoscopies to clear his airways. He also had a mild kidney impairment and a polymicrobial infection. Dr.  In an interview, Sergio Alfieri of Rome's Gemelli Hospital said that the pope's most difficult night was February 28. He also said that doctors briefly considered stopping treatment to let the pope die peacefully. March 23: Out of the hospital Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital after 38 days and was allowed to return to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. He appeared on a hospital balcony in a wheelchair to bless and thank the crowd of well-wishers below before departing. Final Public Appearance on April 20 Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. From a window at St. At Peter's Basilica, he blessed the thousands of people who were there. Later, as the crowd chanted "Viva il Papa!" he made an appearance in the popemobile, sitting in a raised chair and beaming. In his final public ministry act, he stopped several times to wave at the faithful and greet them.