VATICAN CITY – A video of Pope Francis’ last public appearance before his death on Easter Monday has gone viral, capturing the pontiff’s joyful greeting to thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope, emerging from his recent convalescence, addressed the crowd, saying, “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” as he blessed the faithful and treated them to a surprise popemobile ride through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.
The crowd, estimated by the Vatican to be over 35,000 people, erupted in excitement as the Holy See anthem played and the Pope waved to them.
Despite his appearance, Pope Francis did not celebrate the Easter Mass in the piazza, delegating the duty to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis appeared publicly just over 24 hours ago, when he wished worshippers in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter”.The Pope, 88, waved to cheering crowds from his wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Earlier in the day, the Pope also met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Rome with his family for Easter.
The meeting, which lasted just a few minutes, was a cordial exchange of Easter greetings, during which Pope Francis gave Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children.
This was one of the Pope’s rare public appearances since his return to the Vatican after a 38-day hospital stay for double pneumonia.
Though he had missed the solemn Good Friday and Holy Saturday services, he had been expected to appear on Easter Sunday.
Doctors had prescribed two months of convalescence and respiratory therapy to aid his recovery.
Sadly, just one day after his cheerful appearance in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday at 07:35 local time. He was 88 years old.
His passing has left the world in mourning, and church bells across Rome rang out in tribute.
Pope Francis, who made history as the first Latin American Pope, was known for his “contagious smile” and “boundless compassion.”
World leaders, including King Charles, have paid tribute to the Pope’s impact, with many acknowledging how he profoundly touched the lives of countless people.
His death has added a layer of somber reflection to Easter Monday, a national holiday in Italy, as many Italians were still in the process of celebrating and gathering with loved ones.
