This morning, the world woke to the news of Pope Francis’s passing. The Vatican announced his death on Easter Monday. He was 88 and had been battling double pneumonia, spending a month in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital before returning home under medical supervision.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis made a brief appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, offering blessings and a final message. Cardinal Angelo Comastri led the Mass, while a Vatican archbishop delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi as the Pope remained in a wheelchair.
In his final Easter address, the Pope condemned rising antisemitism, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and called for religious freedom and peace. “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others,” he said.
Due to his condition, the Pope had missed most Holy Week events for the first time since becoming Pope in 2013, including the Stations of the Cross and Easter Vigil. Still, he briefly greeted visitors on Saturday.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and moral leadership.