POPE DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE

Put his flock above tending to his health

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BELOVED Pope Francis' uncompromising devotion to his flock hastened his death, say medical experts.

The venerable 88-year-old pontiff, the first pope to come from the Americas, bravely — and some say foolishly — forced himself to address a massive gathering in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday in a charitable act that likely killed him the very next day.

The appearance came less than a month after Francis was released from an Italian hospital, where he lingered at death's door while courageously battling double pneumonia. Doctors advised two months' rest, but Francis couldn't resist resuming at least some of his duties.