Despite Argentine media dubbing her “The Pope’s Girlfriend,” Damonte dismissed the idea, saying their connection was simply part of the past.
Pope Francis’ Health Struggles
Now 88, Pope Francis has faced mounting health challenges in recent years. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with severe breathing difficulties. Doctors later diagnosed him with double pneumonia.
A Vatican statement on February 23 confirmed that while his condition remained critical, he was receiving treatment for pneumonia and mild kidney issues. He was placed on oxygen therapy and even required a blood transfusion.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis has stayed mentally sharp and spiritually engaged. He even participated in Holy Mass from his hospital bed.
His health, however, remains unpredictable. After initially showing signs of improvement, his condition worsened, raising further concerns. Doctors have emphasized that due to his age and medical history, every day is a delicate balance.
His Final Wishes: A Break from Tradition
As the Pope battles his health struggles, quiet preparations are underway for what comes next. Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis has chosen not to be buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he wishes to be laid to rest at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major—a place deeply tied to his personal faith.
In a 2023 interview, he revealed that he had already discussed the details with Vatican officials, saying, “We simplified them quite a bit. I will premiere the new ritual.”
His choice is unusual, as no pope has been buried at St. Mary Major since Pope Clement IX in 1669. The basilica holds deep significance for him, as he often visited it before becoming Pope, praying before the Salus Populi Romani icon—a revered image of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus.
A Life Marked by Unexpected Turns
From a childhood crush to the papacy, Pope Francis’ journey has been full of unexpected moments. Whether or not his young love played a role in his decision to become a priest, one thing is certain: His path has been uniquely his own. And as he faces his toughest health battles yet, the world watches, reflecting on the life of a Pope who defied expectations at every turn.
