On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis made his final public appearance, offering a poignant farewell to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Despite recent health challenges, including a prolonged hospitalization for double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Easter blessing. He then greeted the crowd from the Popemobile, waving to thousands of pilgrims who had come to witness the occasion.
In a solemn announcement on Easter Monday, April 21, Cardinal Kevin Farrell conveyed the news of Pope Francis’s passing: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” The Vatican did not immediately disclose the cause of death, though speculation arose regarding a possible stroke or brain hemorrhage.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Church, emphasizing humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for addressing contemporary issues such as climate change and economic inequality, striving to make the Church more inclusive.
Tributes poured in from around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed condolences, stating, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remembered him as “an inspiration for the entire world, not just Christians,” highlighting his humility and compassion for the less fortunate.
As the Church mourns the loss of its 266th pontiff, preparations are underway for his funeral and the selection of his successor. Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion, reform, and dedication to the Gospel will continue to influence the Catholic community and beyond