Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and hope. His last public act was a blessing to the world on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, from the Benediction Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, a place of great significance where he was introduced as Pope over twelve years ago.
According to the Vatican, further details about the Pope's final hours were revealed on April 22, 2025. His last words were reportedly "Grazie" ("Thank you"), directed towards Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal nurse since 2022. Francis expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for bringing me back to the square," after Strappetti encouraged him to greet the gathered crowd from the popemobile following the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.
This Easter Sunday marked a poignant moment as it was the first time Francis had used the popemobile since a lengthy hospital stay due to a complex pneumonia in February and March 2025. For over 15 minutes, he waved to the approximately 50,000 people who had gathered in St. Peter's Square, delivering his final public message: "Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter." After this heartfelt interaction, the Pope returned to his residence, where he spent the afternoon resting and enjoying a peaceful dinner.
However, the following morning, April 21, at 5:30 AM, the Pope's health took a sudden turn for the worse. Immediate medical attention was required as he exhibited signs of distress. Just an hour later, around 6:30 AM, he gestured goodbye to Strappetti before falling into a coma. Tragically, he passed away at 7:35 AM in his Vatican apartment. The cause of death was determined to be a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiac arrest, as confirmed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, the Director of the Vatican State Health Department.
Vatican News reported that the Pope did not suffer and that his passing was rapid. Those who were present in his final moments reflected on the peaceful nature of his departure. In the hours following his death, many Catholics recalled his final Easter address, which had been read on his behalf from the Loggia. In that message, he emphasized the significance of the resurrection of Jesus, stating, "The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis for our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ – the crucified and risen one – hope will not disappoint! Spes non confundit!"
He further conveyed, "Christ has risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we are not made for death, but for life. Easter is the feast of life! God has created us for life and wants the human family to rise! In His eyes, every life is precious! The life of a child in the womb, but also the life of the elderly and sick, who in more and more countries are regarded as discarded people."
In his final remarks, he expressed a profound message of hope and renewal: "In the Easter mystery of the Lord, death and life have confronted each other in a mighty struggle, but the Lord now lives forever. He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to partake in the life that knows no end, when the struggle of weapons and the rumbling of death will no longer be heard. Let us entrust ourselves to Him, for He alone can make everything new. Happy Easter to all!"
Massimiliano Strappetti, who had been a steadfast companion to the Pope, played a crucial role in his care. Strappetti had not only been with Francis during his previous health challenges but had also advised him on a life-saving bowel operation in 2021. As the official medical companion since 2022, he was by the Pope's side during a grueling 38-day hospitalization earlier this year.
On Holy Saturday, April 19, Strappetti rehearsed the route with Francis to prepare for the Easter Sunday blessing. Early on Easter Sunday, the Pope surprised his staff by deciding to ride in the popemobile after the blessing, asking Strappetti, "Do you think I can do this?" With Strappetti's encouraging response, the Pope's ride through the crowd became a deeply symbolic moment, as he embraced the gathered pilgrims with his gaze, particularly cherishing the children.
The emotional farewell captured by the Pope's gesture and his words of gratitude resonated with those who had gathered to witness his final moments. His last public appearance was not only a testament to his enduring spirit but also a reflection of his commitment to connecting with the faithful until the very end.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, many will remember him as a leader who championed compassion, inclusivity, and hope. His teachings and messages of love will continue to inspire millions around the globe. The Vatican will now prepare for the period of sede vacante, as the Church reflects on the legacy of a Pope who dedicated his life to service and spirituality.
