Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, following a lifetime dedicated to “the service of the Lord and of His Church.”
Pope Francis’ last public appearance on Easter Sunday
On April 20, 2025, Pope Francis made his final public appearance at St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass.
He greeted thousands of people in his open-air popemobile, much to the joy of the crowd.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who had long been known for his humble nature and preference for being among the people.
Pop was seen sitting in a raised chair as crowds cheered “viva il papa!”
His joyful and energetic presence during his final outing was a contrast to his fragile health in the weeks prior.
Easter blessing and call for global peace
At 88, the pope appeared stronger in his final public outings than after his release on March 23. He made several appearances before Easter on Sunday, April 20
Before his death on April 21, Pope Francis gave his traditional Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Square.
During this event, he urged peace in the midst of global conflicts, especially in Ukraine and Gaza.
In his Urbi et Orbi address, the pope expressed sorrow over the escalating violence worldwide.
He stated: “What a great thirst for death, for killing, we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”
Additionally, he also emphasized that peace could only be achieved with “freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.”
Final meeting with Vice President Vance
Hours before his death, Pope Francis also met with Vice President J.D. Vance at the Casa Santa Marta.
Despite their previous differences, they discussed critical topics, including religious freedom and the ongoing international wars.
In a statement, Vance reflected on the meeting: “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. I’ll always remember him for the beautiful homily he gave during the early days of COVID.”
Pope Francis’ visit to Inmates on Holy Thursday
Earlier in April, Pope Francis visited Regina Coeli prison in Rome to mark Holy Thursday.
While he could not perform the usual foot-washing ceremony due to his health, he still expressed his solidarity with the inmates.
“I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families,” he told the prisoners. The inmates responded with heartfelt cries of “pray for us!” and “freedom!” to which Pope Francis humbly replied, “Pray for me.”
Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, 2025, came just weeks after his discharge from the hospital following a battle with bilateral pneumonia and other health issues.
His final public appearances showcased his commitment to peace and humanity.
Pope was remained dedecated to his mission despite his health challenges.
His legacy is marked by compassion, humility, and a focus on global peace. It will continue to inspire millions around the world.