Last morning, individuals across the globe awakened to the news of Pope Francis’s passing. On Easter Monday, the Vatican shared the sorrowful news of the Pope’s passing.
On the occasion of Easter, hundreds of thousands traveled to Rome to be present at the Vatican. Many of those individuals were present on Sunday, during the Pope’s final public appearance.
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Pope Francis made a brief appearance at St. Peter’s Square to commemorate the significant occasion of Easter Sunday. Due to the Pope’s recent health struggles stemming from a challenging fight against double pneumonia, a high-ranking cardinal delivered the Mass.
Cardinal Angelo Comastri led the service before a crowd of tens of thousands of Catholic faithful. Pope Francis emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He took the opportunity to wish everyone present a “Happy Easter” and to extend his blessings to the crowd.
Typically, on such occasions, the Pope delivers a traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”). This year, however, the message was delivered by a Vatican archbishop, as the Pope was in a wheelchair.
The Pope’s address covered numerous significant topics, leaving a deep and lasting message. He articulated the existence of a “growing climate of antisemitism around the world” and condemned the dire situation in Gaza, while reiterating his call for a ceasefire.
“I reflect on the people of Gaza, especially its Christian community, where the ongoing conflict continues to bring death and destruction, resulting in a tragic and unacceptable humanitarian crisis,” stated what would be the pope’s final Easter address.
The address advocated for freedom of religion and respect for differing viewpoints, highlighting that peace cannot be achieved without these principles.
“Peace cannot exist without the freedom to practice religion, the freedom to think, the freedom to express oneself, and the respect for differing opinions,” the address stated. Following the conclusion of the address, the pope was escorted through the crowd in an open-top vehicle.
The pope has died at the age of 88. He had spent a considerable amount of time in and out of the hospital. He departed from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital four weeks ago after spending a month there.
Following his departure, medical professionals continued to recommend that he take time to recuperate from the serious illness he had fought against.
For the first time since his election as pope in 2013, he missed the majority of Holy Week events due to his declining health. This encompassed the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum on Friday, along with Saturday’s Easter vigil at Saint Peter’s Basilica, during which he entrusted his responsibilities to cardinals.
He also missed the foot-washing ritual on Thursday, intended to replicate the moment when Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples.
On Saturday, he did make a short appearance to welcome visitors.
Pope Francis departs with a remarkable and lasting legacy. He will be remembered for many years as a person of integrity and faith.