The world awoke this morning to the heartbreaking news of Pope Francis’s passing. The Vatican confirmed his death on Easter Monday, marking a somber close to one of the most spiritually significant weekends in the Christian calendar.
Thousands had journeyed to Rome to celebrate Easter at the Vatican, many of whom witnessed what would become the Pope’s final public appearance on Easter Sunday.
Despite his ongoing health struggles—including a recent battle with double pneumonia—Pope Francis appeared briefly at St. Peter’s Square. While the Easter Mass was led by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the Pope emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver a short, heartfelt greeting. He offered a “Happy Easter” and extended his blessings to the crowd of faithful gathered below.
Traditionally, the Pope delivers the “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) message on Easter, but due to his fragile health and being confined to a wheelchair, the address was read instead by a Vatican archbishop.
Even so, the message carried the unmistakable voice and spirit of Pope Francis. He warned of a “growing climate of antisemitism around the world” and turned global attention to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation,”
the Pope’s Easter message read.
He also made a powerful plea for fundamental human rights, stating:
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.”
Following the address, the Pope was driven through the square in an open-top vehicle, warmly greeting pilgrims during what would become his final public appearance.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. His health had been in decline for some time. Just four weeks ago, he was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after spending a month recovering from a serious illness. Though he returned home, doctors had urged continued rest and care.
This year, due to his condition, Pope Francis missed most Holy Week observances—something unprecedented since he was elected in 2013. He was notably absent from the traditional Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum and the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica. He also did not participate in Thursday’s foot-washing ritual, which symbolizes Jesus’s act of humility toward his disciples.
Still, on Saturday, he made a brief appearance to greet the faithful, a testament to his enduring devotion even in the face of illness.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. He will be remembered as a spiritual leader who stood for justice, inclusion, and peace—and whose final message continues to resonate around the world.
