In a stunning final act of service, he met with Vice President JD Vance and delivered a heartfelt Easter blessing from his balcony at St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Francis Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Pope Francis Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Pope Francis, known for his inclusive approach and resilience, passed away on Easter Monday, leaving behind a profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
April 21, 2025, marked a poignant day as the world mourned the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away at 7:35 a.m. a day after Easter. Just weeks earlier, he had been discharged from a hospital following a severe case of pneumonia and had begun to make public appearances despite his frail condition. The unpredictability of the pontiff’s last moments echoed through the Vatican, where many speculated that he may have been brought back to die at home after two episodes of near-fatal respiratory distress during his recent hospitalization.
In a farewell that resonated with both pilgrims and tourists, he made an unexpected appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair, where he prayed before the main altar, leaving many stunned by his determination to engage even in fragile health. Notably, he even visited a nearby prison to meet with inmates, showcasing his commitment to outreach and compassion.
On Easter Sunday, just hours before his passing, Pope Francis met with Vice President JD Vance, extending his well-wishes and embracing a spirit of goodwill amidst adversity. Delivering his final papal address, he called upon the world to unite against issues like antisemitism and to protect migrants — causes he passionately advocated throughout his 12-year papacy.
After addressing the crowd from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, he offered blessings and made a brief, poignant trip in the popemobile, where he even paused to bless a newborn—a symbol of hope amidst his final hours.
Pope Francis’ legacy as a leader who prioritized compassion, inclusivity, and dialogue over division remains a pivotal chapter in modern papal history.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome bureau chief, covering Italy, the Vatican, Greece, and other parts of Southern Europe.
In a farewell that resonated with both pilgrims and tourists, he made an unexpected appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair, where he prayed before the main altar, leaving many stunned by his determination to engage even in fragile health. Notably, he even visited a nearby prison to meet with inmates, showcasing his commitment to outreach and compassion.
On Easter Sunday, just hours before his passing, Pope Francis met with Vice President JD Vance, extending his well-wishes and embracing a spirit of goodwill amidst adversity. Delivering his final papal address, he called upon the world to unite against issues like antisemitism and to protect migrants — causes he passionately advocated throughout his 12-year papacy.
After addressing the crowd from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, he offered blessings and made a brief, poignant trip in the popemobile, where he even paused to bless a newborn—a symbol of hope amidst his final hours.
Pope Francis’ legacy as a leader who prioritized compassion, inclusivity, and dialogue over division remains a pivotal chapter in modern papal history.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome bureau chief, covering Italy, the Vatican, Greece, and other parts of Southern Europe.
