The crowds cheered, cameras clicked, and Pope Francis smiled and waved from the Popemobile—none knowing it would be his last public appearance.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, just one day before his death, the 88-year-old pontiff made an unexpected appearance in St. Peter’s Square, despite recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia. His brief but powerful presence has since become a deeply moving final memory for the faithful.
Though Cardinal Angelo Comastri led the Easter Mass, Pope Francis appeared afterward, emerging onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He greeted thousands gathered below with a gentle smile and a heartfelt message: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” His voice, though weakened in recent weeks, rang out stronger that day—sparking emotional cheers of “Viva il Papa!”
Seated in a wheelchair and assisted by aides, the Pope offered a wave to the crowd, even as his physical frailty was evident. In another unexpected moment, he entered the Popemobile and toured the square, stopping to bless infants brought to him—an act many now see as a final gesture of pastoral love.
Earlier that same day, he held a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at Casa Santa Marta. Though the visit was described as an Easter greeting, it followed discussions on global conflict and immigration—topics on which the Pope and Vance have had differing views.
Photos and videos from that Easter Sunday now carry new weight following the Pope’s death early the next morning, April 21, at his residence. Social media has since filled with tributes, gratitude, and heartbreak from followers across the globe.
A Quiet Visit Before the End
Just days earlier, on April 11, Pope Francis made a quiet visit to St. Peter’s Basilica—an outing captured in a video that quickly circulated online. The Pope, seen in a wheelchair and without his usual white cassock, wore simple black pants and a soft shawl, his oxygen cannula discreetly visible. The scene was striking—an image of humility amid the grandeur of the basilica’s marble halls.
The moment, shared by digital creator Jacob Stein sparked intense reactions online. Some viewers were moved by the Pope’s vulnerability; others were confused or even disturbed by his change in appearance, with questions about his attire, health, and even his identity. One user wrote, “He’s not even wearing the Fisherman’s Ring—is he still the Pope?” Others speculated it might be a quiet signal of a coming resignation.
Yet many found the image deeply human: a world leader, no longer hiding his physical limits, embracing the reality of aging with grace.
Ongoing Health Challenges and Decline
In February, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital due to recurring bronchitis, which progressed into bilateral pneumonia. Multiple tests, treatments, and rounds of medication—including corticosteroids and antibiotics—followed. His schedule was cleared, and papal duties were delegated as he focused on recovery.
By late February, the Holy See confirmed his condition had become critical, though he remained alert. He suffered a respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen, and further tests revealed thrombocytopenia and anemia—prompting blood transfusions.
While still hospitalized, Francis maintained a light spirit, even joking with doctors. Yet the danger was very real. Physicians warned of the potential for sepsis if infection reached his bloodstream. Still, signs of improvement gradually emerged.
After nearly two weeks, Dr. Sergio Alfieri—who led the Pope’s medical team—announced the Pope would be discharged. On March 23, Francis returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue recovering under supervision. For the next two months, doctors advised rest, limited movement, and continued therapy.
A Pontiff Who Never Stopped Working
Despite all this, Pope Francis remained active. He resumed meetings, reviewed Church matters, and even welcomed world leaders—including Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who visited to mark their wedding anniversary.
Throughout Holy Week, the Vatican announced his participation in liturgical events would be evaluated day by day. For Palm Sunday, he appointed Cardinal Leonardo Sandri to preside in his place.
Still, no one expected that Easter Sunday would mark his final public appearance. His wave, his blessing, and his quiet resilience now serve as a fitting farewell from a pope who redefined leadership through compassion, humility, and presence.
Though his breath may have faltered, Pope Francis’ final act reminded the world that the strength of a spiritual leader lies not in power—but in service.