Pope Francis' final days were marked by humility and a deep connection with the faithful. His last public act was delivering the Easter blessing from St. Peter's Basilica. Despite his declining health, the Pope made a surprise appearance in St. Peter's Square, expressing gratitude to his nurse for bringing him back. His final words conveyed appreciation, reflecting his papacy's focus on proximity to the people. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.
21 days ago
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis made his last public appearance, delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Basilica 2 4. Despite his fatigue and difficulty breathing, he greeted the faithful with a heartfelt "Happy Easter!" 2 4. The Pope's Easter message, read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, emphasized a longing for peace and the importance of humanity 2 4.
Following the blessing, Pope Francis surprised the crowd by riding through St. Peter's Square in the popemobile, greeting the 35,000 people gathered there 1 2 4. This popemobile ride, his first since a trip to Corsica in December, became a poignant farewell 5 8. The MacIver family, an American family present at the event, felt a sense of urgency to witness what they knew was a significant moment 6.
In his final hours, Pope Francis expressed deep gratitude to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti 1 3 5 7 8 9. One of his last phrases was, "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square," referring to the Easter popemobile ride 1 3 5 7 8 9. The Pope had asked Strappetti, "Do you think I can do it?" before venturing out, showing his reliance on his trusted caregiver 1 5 8.
Strappetti had been by the Pope's side constantly, especially after his 38-day hospitalization, providing reassurance and support 1 3 5 8. The Pope's gratitude highlights the close relationship he shared with Strappetti, who had become more than just a caregiver 3.
Pope Francis passed away on the morning of April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 2 4. After a relaxing dinner on Easter, his condition worsened around 5:30 a.m. the next day 3 5 7 8 9. Surrounded by those who cared for him, including Strappetti, he made a final gesture of farewell before slipping into a coma 3 5 7 8 9.
His death was described as peaceful and serene, a quiet end for a Pope who embraced simplicity 3. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a stroke leading to a coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse 5 7 8 9. Those present in his final moments emphasized that "He did not suffer. It all happened quickly" 5 7 8 9.
Pope Francis's pontificate was defined by his commitment to serving as the Bishop of Rome and his closeness to the people 3 11. He often surprised the faithful with unexpected appearances and gestures, demonstrating his desire to connect with them 2 4 11. Even during his convalescence, he made several public appearances, including visits to St. Peter's Basilica and a meeting with inmates at Rome's Regina Coeli prison 2 4 11.
His final Easter message and his last popemobile ride encapsulated his papacy's themes of hope, humanity, and a deep connection with the world 2 4 7 9. His ministry reflected a desire to "walk with the people, touch their wounds, and meet them where they are" 3.
The sacraments offered to those who are dying reflect the Church's understanding of death as a passage to eternal life, marked by hope and the promise of resurrection . These sacraments, particularly Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum, signify spiritual healing, strength, and the final union with Christ .
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and spiritual strength, not exclusively for those at the point of death, but also for those suffering from serious illness . The Church believes that this sacrament offers several graces, including :
Viaticum, meaning "food for the journey," is the Eucharist received by a person who is near death . It is considered the last sacrament of the Christian journey, signifying the final union with Christ as one prepares to enter eternal life . The belief in the resurrection of the dead is an essential part of Christian revelation . A Christian, having been made worthy of the divine life through Baptism, already possesses the pledge of eternal glory in their heart . Death, seen in this light, is not the end but a passage through Christ to eternal life .
The Church understands death in the light of Christ's victory over sin and death through His own suffering, death, and resurrection . Death is a consequence of sin, but Christ has transformed its meaning for those who die in Him . The Christian understanding of death encompasses :
In summary, the sacraments for the dying reflect the Church's understanding of death as a passage to eternal life, transformed by Christ's victory over sin and death. Anointing of the Sick offers healing and strength, while Viaticum provides spiritual nourishment for the final journey, reinforcing the hope of resurrection and eternal life with God.