World Mourns Death of Pope Francis at 88
This morning, millions of people around the world awoke to the heartbreaking news of the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, just one day after His Holiness made his final public appearance in St. Peter’s Square.
Thousands Witnessed His Final Moments on Easter Sunday
During Holy Week celebrations, hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful traveled to Rome hoping to see the Pope, despite growing concerns about his health.
Although Pope Francis was battling double pneumonia and his physical condition was visibly fragile, he managed to briefly appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday. With emotion, he offered a “Happy Easter!” and blessed those present, leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of many.
“Urbi et Orbi” Read by a Cardinal: A Sign of His Delicate State
Traditionally, the Pope delivers the “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) message during Easter. However, this time, a high-ranking archbishop read the message on his behalf, while Cardinal Angelo Comastri presided over Mass before tens of thousands of faithful.
The Pope, who was wheelchair-bound, was unable to speak for long, but he allowed his written words to resonate beyond the Vatican walls.
An Urgent Appeal for Peace, Freedom, and Human Dignity
In what is now considered his final Easter statement, Pope Francis shared a deeply moving message. He condemned the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, expressed concern about the rise of global antisemitism, and strongly defended freedom of religion and thought as essential pillars for achieving peace.
“I think of the people of Gaza, and their Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction, creating a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.”
And he added forcefully:
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, without freedom of thought, without freedom of expression, and without respect for the opinions of others.”
After the speech, the Pope blessed the faithful from an open-air vehicle, greeting those who had traveled from all corners of the world to see him one last time.
Fragile in Health and Absent from Holy Week Rites
For the past few months, Pope Francis had been in and out of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he remained for almost a month due to a serious illness.
Despite medical recommendations to rest, His Holiness insisted on participating, at least partially, in the Easter celebrations.
This year, for the first time since his election in 2013, he was unable to attend most Holy Week events, including:
- The Way of the Cross at the Colosseum
- The Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica
- The washing of feet on Holy Thursday, a symbol of Christian humility
However, on Holy Saturday he made a brief appearance to greet visitors, a gesture many now consider his final act of grace.
A Legacy of Faith, Courage, and Mercy
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy marked by humility, courageous reforms, and unwavering compassion. His commitment to social justice, inclusion, and the most disadvantaged transformed the leadership of the Catholic Church in the 21st century.
He will be remembered not only for his words, but for having lived them with kindness, conviction, and sincerity.
Let us honor his memory.
Share this story with those who wish to reflect on Pope Francis’ final message. Let us continue to build a more just world, with the values he defended until the end: peace, love, and understanding.
