In a shocking turn of events, Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, just a day after Easter. This news comes less than a month after he was released from a prolonged hospital stay in Rome due to severe pneumonia, where his recovery was described as miraculous following multiple near-death experiences. Despite his frailty, the pope's recent actions seemed to defy expectations, leading to a blend of relief and concern among the faithful.
During his hospitalization, which lasted 38 days, Pope Francis faced critical respiratory challenges, and his medical team had advised him to rest upon returning to his Vatican residence. However, the pontiff's spirit of unpredictability led him to make several noteworthy appearances, which now seem to resonate as final farewells.
In an emotional return to St. Peter’s Basilica, he was seen in a wheelchair praying before the main altar, a move described as a surprise by those in attendance. The day before his passing, he interacted with a gathering of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday and even visited a local prison to meet with inmates.
On Easter Sunday, Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, before making a poignant speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. In his address, he extended wishes for a "Happy Easter" to the world, while advocating for disarmament and the protection of migrants—issues he has been passionate about throughout his papacy.
As he concluded his speech with a blessing, the pontiff took a final ride through the square in his popemobile, defying medical advice to bless a newborn child amidst the gathering crowd, marking what has become a poignant memory of his enduring commitment to his faith and mission.
