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Just 20 hours before his passing, Pope Francis took to Twitter to share what would become his final public message—a heartfelt Easter reflection that now feels even more poignant. “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. #Easter,” he wrote. It was a powerful reminder of hope and faith, made even more meaningful knowing it came shortly before he passed.
Despite struggling with ongoing health issues, the 88-year-old pontiff made one last public appearance on Easter Sunday. Sitting in a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square, he briefly greeted the thousands gathered: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Though his energy was limited, his spirit was very much present. The rest of his traditional Urbi et Orbi Easter message—usually delivered in full from the balcony—was released in written form.
In that message, Pope Francis spoke with urgency and compassion about the world’s many conflicts. He prayed for peace in war-torn regions like Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, and also spoke of rising tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He didn’t stop there—he also mentioned countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar, the latter recently shaken by a devastating earthquake.
The Pope also made a strong case for basic human freedoms. He called for the protection of religious liberty, free thought, and open expression, saying these are essential for building lasting peace. “The risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace,” he said in a moving plea for diplomacy and justice.
One of his final meetings was with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met the Pope on Easter Sunday for a short 15-minute audience. Vance, aware of the Pope’s frail health, told him, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health.” In a touching moment, Pope Francis gifted him a rosary, a Vatican-crest tie, and three Kinder eggs—one for each of Vance’s children.
After news of the Pope’s passing, Vance posted a tribute: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:30 a.m. on Easter Monday. The Vatican has not yet confirmed the exact cause of death, but it came after a difficult five-week battle with double pneumonia. The day before his passing, the Pope had canceled earlier plans to meet with Vice President Vance and chose instead to rest—sending two senior church officials in his place.
His final words and gestures reflect what he stood for throughout his papacy: hope, compassion, and the belief in a better, more peaceful world.