Pope Francis’s last public appearance leaves profound message.

On Easter Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The news followed his brief final public appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, where he offered a blessing from a wheelchair due to declining health, including double pneumonia.

While Cardinal Angelo Comastri led Easter Mass, Pope Francis shared a powerful message addressing global antisemitism, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and called for religious freedom and respect for differing views:

“Peace cannot exist without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for others’ viewpoints.”

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He was too ill to attend several Holy Week events, including the Stations of the Cross, the Easter Vigil, and the foot-washing ceremony, delegating duties to other church leaders. Despite recent hospitalizations and a month-long stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, he made a short appearance on Saturday to greet visitors.

Pope Francis will be remembered for his deep faith, compassion, and moral leadership.