Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at the age of 88 just weeks after he was discharged from the hospital following treatment for a severe lung infection that had led to double pneumonia.
His final public appearance took place on Easter Sunday, April 20.
On Easter Sunday, thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, unsure whether the Pope would be well enough to appear.
Although he did not lead the Easter Mass, delegating the role to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, he stepped out onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver a brief Easter message.
“Brothers and sisters, happy Easter!” he said.
The crowd responded with cheers and chants of “Viva il Papa!”
In a surprise moment that deeply moved many, the Pope toured the square in his open-topped popemobile, waving and blessing babies and pilgrims.
That appearance now stands as his final one.
Before his Easter Sunday Blessing, Pope Francis also met with US Vice President, JD Vance. A video of the meeting has now gone viral following the pontiff’s demise.
Vance, a Catholic who has clashed with the pontiff over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, met Francis at his Vatican residence to exchange Easter greetings, the Vatican said in a statement.
“Pope Francis had a brief private encounter … lasting a few minutes, in order to exchange good wishes on Easter day,” said the statement.
On Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s passing: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Below are videos from Pope Francis’ last Easter Sunday, just hours before his death.
Pope Francis used his last public address to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Even as he was hospitalised, he maintained his commitment to check in on a daily basis with priests and parishioners at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/zJFmt8IZmg
— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) April 21, 2025
This was the last public appearance of Pope Francis. He appeared yesterday for the usual Easter Urbi et Orbi message at the Vatican and afterwards, went round to greet the pilgrims. We didn't know it was his farewell appearance. He really served God and his people till his last… pic.twitter.com/1CthJCNktw
— Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch (@FrUgochukwu) April 21, 2025
J.D. Vance to Pope Francis on Easter Sunday: “It is good to see you in better health.”
Pope Francis: died Easter Monday.
So he survived double pneumonia but couldn’t survive the stench of theocratic authoritarianism.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis.pic.twitter.com/MDdRRqO0hZ
— Canada Hates Trump (@AntiTrumpCanada) April 21, 2025