The world awoke this morning to heartbreaking news: Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. The announcement, made by the Vatican on Easter Monday, came as a shock to many, especially those who had traveled from across the globe to be in Rome for the Easter celebrations.

Just a day before, on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis had made what would be his final public appearance at St. Peter’s Square, marking a poignant moment in his papacy and in the hearts of the faithful. Despite battling double pneumonia and being in fragile health, Pope Francis made the effort to appear briefly before the crowd, while the Easter Mass itself was delivered by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church. Thousands had gathered to hear the traditional message from the Holy Father, and though he was unable to preside over the entire service, Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair to greet the crowd, offer his blessings, and wish everyone a heartfelt “Happy Easter.”

In most years, the Pope delivers the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—Latin for “To the City and the World”—on Easter Sunday, but due to his declining health, a Vatican archbishop read the address on his behalf. Still, the words delivered were unmistakably Pope Francis’s own and carried the weight of a global leader offering a final, meaningful message. In his address, he touched on critical issues facing the world today, including a warning about the increasing rise of antisemitism and his continued condemnation of the suffering and violence in Gaza. He expressed particular concern for the Christian community there, referencing the ongoing destruction and humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict. “I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation,” the message read.

It was a powerful call to the world to pay attention, to show compassion, and to work toward peace. The address also emphasized the importance of protecting core human rights, including the right to religious freedom, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression. “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others,” the Pope’s message declared, echoing his lifelong commitment to unity, dialogue, and mutual respect. Following the address, the Pope was driven through the square in an open-top vehicle, a final opportunity for the faithful to see him and receive his blessings in person. Though brief, it was a deeply emotional and meaningful appearance.

Pope Francis had been in and out of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for some time, and though he was discharged four weeks ago after a month-long stay, doctors cautioned that he still needed significant time to recover from the severe illness that had left him physically weakened. His deteriorating health led him to miss most of the traditional Holy Week events, a first since he became pope in 2013. He did not participate in the Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, nor did he attend the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica. He also skipped the symbolic foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, a ritual that represents Jesus washing the feet of his disciples in a gesture of humility and service. Still, he made a short appearance on Holy Saturday to greet visitors, a testament to his enduring dedication and desire to remain present with the faithful, even in his final days. Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, humility, and a tireless pursuit of justice and peace. From championing the poor to calling for interfaith understanding and environmental stewardship, he consistently reminded the world of the power of love, mercy, and inclusivity. His last public message will be remembered not just for its content, but for the sincerity and urgency with which it was delivered. It was a message of peace, a plea for understanding, and a call to action that perfectly encapsulated his time as pope. He will be remembered for generations as a leader who never stopped advocating for the betterment of humanity. Please share this message with others who would find comfort in remembering Pope Francis’s final words and the values he stood for.