This morning, the world was shaken by the heartbreaking news of Pope Francisâs passing, announced by the Vatican on Easter Monday. The Pope, who had been battling double pneumonia, made a final public appearance just a day prior at St. Peterâs Square, where he offered blessings and Easter wishes to tens of thousands of Catholics.
Although visibly frail and in a wheelchair, he delivered a powerful Easter messageâthis time through a Vatican archbishopâtouching on global conflicts, rising antisemitism, and the urgent need for peace and religious tolerance. As Rome filled with mourners and the faithful, a lingering question settled in the air: had the world just witnessed his last public prayer?
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, had been in and out of Romeâs Gemelli Hospital in recent months, missing most of this yearâs Holy Week ceremonies for the first time since becoming pope in 2013. Delegating his usual duties to trusted cardinals, he had remained largely out of sight, making only brief appearances,
including a short visit to greet guests on Holy Saturday. Despite his failing health, his impact enduredâhis legacy of compassion, humility, and unwavering advocacy for peace will resonate far beyond the walls of the Vatican, etched into history as the mark of a spiritual leader who never stopped striving for a better world.