The world was shaken this morning by the heartbreaking news of Pope Francis’s passing, announced by the Vatican on Easter Monday.

Rome became a gathering place for hundreds of thousands who came to the Vatican to celebrate Easter. Many were present for what would become the Pope’s final public appearance on Sunday. Let’s delve into this momentous event.

On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis made a brief visit to St. Peter’s Square, marking the special occasion despite battling health issues. His ongoing struggle with double pneumonia had kept him from taking part in many activities, so a senior cardinal took charge of leading the Mass.

Presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the service saw tens of thousands of Catholics gather in reverence. When Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the crowd warmly and offered them a heartfelt “Happy Easter.”

Traditionally, he would deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing; however, this time, due to his ill health, an archbishop stood in to deliver the message while the Pope remained in a wheelchair.

The Pope’s address tackled pressing global issues, leaving an indelible mark. He addressed the grim conditions in Gaza and reiterated calls for a ceasefire. He also pointed out the intensified antisemitic sentiments spreading worldwide, urging for a change.

His powerful final Easter message echoed, “I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the horrible conflict leads to death and destruction and creates a dire humanitarian crisis.” The speech further argued for peace, asserting that without religious freedom and mutual respect for diverse perspectives, peace remains elusive.

“Without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the opinions of others, there can be no peace,” he declared. Following his speech, the Pope was driven around to greet the audience in an open-top vehicle.

Pope Francis, aged eighty-eight, had been in and out of the hospital prior to his death. He had recently spent a month in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, and after his release, doctors had advised that he take more time to recuperate from his severe illness.

His declining health meant that he was absent from most Holy Week observances for the first time since his papacy began in 2013. He delegated responsibilities to cardinals for the Easter vigil at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Saturday and the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum the previous day.

The Pope also missed participating in the traditional foot-washing ceremony associated with Holy Thursday, intended to mirror Jesus Christ’s act of washing his disciples’ feet. He did, however, make a brief appearance on Saturday to greet visitors.

Pope Francis has left behind a profound and enduring legacy, earning admiration as a figure of faith and integrity. His final address and its message resonate deeply, and it is vital to share his words and their meaning with others.