The Last Words of Pope Francis

• Pope Francis’ last words
• This was his final public appearance
• Shock in the religious community

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, as officially confirmed by the Vatican in a statement issued by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell.

The last time the pontiff appeared before the faithful was on Sunday, April 20, during the Easter celebration in St. Peter’s Square.

Despite his fragile condition and visibly weakened state, he arrived in a wheelchair and briefly addressed the cheering crowd.

“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter. The master of ceremonies will read the message,” were the last words Pope Francis publicly spoke.

Pope Francis’ final moments

After his greeting and the Urbi et Orbi blessing, Master of Ceremonies Diego Ravelli read the Easter message on the Pope’s behalf.

The text focused on a strong call for world peace, emphasizing respect for religious freedom, thought, and expression as essential pillars for building fairer societies.

You may also be interested in: The Love Story That Marked Pope Francis’ Life

The message also included a condemnation of violence in places like Gaza, Ukraine, Armenia, and conflict zones in Africa.

Francis called for a ceasefire in the Middle East and denounced the rise of antisemitism, which he described as a threat to global coexistence.

He also strongly criticized the international arms race and urged world leaders to prioritize humanitarian aid over military interests.

After the message, the Pope rode through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile, emotionally greeting the thousands of faithful in attendance.

His appearance, though frail, surprised some as he was not wearing the oxygen cannulas he had used in previous weeks, sparking speculation about a possible improvement in his health.

However, it was later revealed that Pope Francis had been assisted by his medical team throughout the day due to exhaustion and clear signs of weakness.

That same Sunday, he received U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in a private audience, held under strict medical supervision.

The Vatican did not disclose details of the meeting, but it was reported that the Pope was accompanied by close aides during the conversation.

With this farewell, the first Latin American pope concluded a pontificate defined by his closeness to the marginalized, his direct approach, and his commitment to a humbler and more active Church in the world.

Since his election in March 2013, Pope Francis implemented significant reforms in the Vatican, tackling issues such as financial transparency, the fight against sexual abuse, and the role of women in the Church.

 

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He was also known for his openness to social issues and his constant advocacy for migrants, the poor, and marginalized people around the world.

His final words—brief but profound—reflected his enduring call for fraternity and hope.

The death of Pope Francis marks the end of an era in the Vatican and leaves behind a pastoral legacy remembered for its humanity.

As well as his simplicity and tireless desire to build a more compassionate world.

Thousands of faithful have begun gathering in Rome to pay their respects.

Meanwhile, the Vatican prepares to carry out the funeral rites following the simplified protocol that he himself designed.

Pope Francis asked for humility even in death, renouncing traditional pomp and expressing a wish to be laid to rest near Santa Maria Maggiore, his favorite church in Rome.

His Easter message, read on his behalf, remains as his final call to humanity: a poignant cry for peace in times of pain and uncertainty, as noted by Diario AS Latino.