Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving a Legacy of Compassion and Courage

On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, ending a transformative papacy defined by humility, social justice, and deep compassion. Just one day earlier, he made his final public appearance from a wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering a heartfelt Easter blessing.

Due to worsening health, including double pneumonia, the Pope had missed most Holy Week events for the first time since his 2013 election. Still, he remained spiritually active, issuing a moving Easter message that urged global peace, religious freedom, and support for suffering communities like Gaza’s Christians.