Pope Francis left this world on Easter Monday, April 21, leaving the world mourning the loss for the Christian leader who changed the church and showed enormous humility and compassion.
From the moment he was elected a pope in 2013, he chose simplicity and focused on the needy and the poor, asking for peace and reconciliation.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he greeted crowds at the Easter Sunday Service and gave his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ benediction from a balcony overlooking the Piazza.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
He addressed the crowds with the words, “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter! Blessed be the almighty father and son and holy spirit. I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message.”
His address continued: “And with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial. Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
Following his passing, Vatican News shared Pope Francis’ last words he told to the nurse who cared for him during his illness.
“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” he told him, expressing his gratitude.
Massimiliano Strappetti was appointed the pope’s personal healthcare assistant in 2022. According to the pope himself, he once saved his life when he suggested colon surgery.
“Mr. Strappetti stayed by the Pope’s side during all 38 days of his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, and keeping watch round-the-clock during his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta,” Vatican News reported.
Months before his passing, Pope Francis suffered health issues and was admitted to the hospital in February where he stayed for 38 days, the longest hospital stay during his papacy.
Vatican reported that on Easter Monday, Pope Francis, who suffered from pneumonia, suffered a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and, shortly after, heart failure.
Pope Francis’ funeral, which he himself wished to be modest, mirrored his simple life. His casket was made of simple wood lined with zinc, as he wished.
He also asked that no inscriptions on the tomb mention his role as Pope.
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