The final moments of Pope Francis

On Monday, April 21, Catholics worldwide were greeted with the unfortunate news that Pope Francis has died. The Vatican announced the his passing on the same day.According to reports, the Pope passed due to "stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse." He was 88.But even hours before his death, the Pope did not falter to serve the people and call for peace. He was also able to attend Easter Sunday on April 20 and appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.“I appeal once again for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for the release of the hostages... and for access to humanitarian aid,” said the Pope.The Bangsamoro Government likewise released a statement on his death and called him a “beacon of hope.”The Bangsamoro Government wrote, “The news of his passing brings profound sadness as Pope Francis was a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue. Testament to this were his persistent and heartfelt appeals for peace in the Middle East, especially in the face of atrocities in Palestine.”“He was a source of moral clarity as he continuously urged world leaders to depart from war and instead seek peaceful resolutions. These were not mere pronouncements, but a call to action and a reminder of our shared humanity,” the government body added.Look back on Pope Francis' last Easter Sunday and his other final moments before his death in this gallery:

Pope Francis was discharged from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, 2025, after five weeks of treatment for bronchitis. People came to show love and support for Pope Francis after he was discharged from the hospital. Pope Francis surprised the public when he visited St.

Peter's Square on April 6 for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers. Although still in recovery, Pope Francis made an effort to greet the attendees and send a reminder to people: “The sickbed can become a holy place, where charity burns away indifference and gratitude nourishes hope.” Pope Francis also joined the observance of Holy Week this year and faced over 20,000 pilgrims at St.

Peter's Square on Palm Sunday. While Pope Francis' visit was brief, he still greeted the pilgrims, “Have a good Palm Sunday, have a good Holy Week.” According to reports, Pope Francis, despite his declining condition, continued to work and call for the freedom of Palestine.

In this photo, the Pope stood with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, accompanied by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, on June 8, 2014. The Vatican News reported that “throughout his hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis took the time to video chat with the Holy Family parish in Gaza, with whom he has been in close contact throughout the entirety of the Israeli offensive.” On Sunday, April 20, U.

S. Vice President JD Vance visited Pope Francis at the Vatican City. “Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis.

I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health,” said JD. After his brief meeting with JD Vance, Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for Easter Sunday.

Even in his last Urbi et Orbi, Pope Francis continued to call for peace and freedom for Palestine. “I appeal once again for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for the release of the hostages..

. and for access to humanitarian aid,” said the Pope..