Pope Francis Continues His Mission Until His Last Days

Mon Oct 20 2025 05:58:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Pope Francis defied medical advice to remain active up to his passing, engaging in significant public appearances and meetings.

Pope Francis, who recently passed at the age of 88, remained dedicated to his papal duties, meeting with Vice President JD Vance and delivering an Easter blessing even as his health faltered.

Pope Francis maintained a vigorous schedule right up until the day before his death, disregarding the advice of his doctors to rest. The Pope met with Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic, and later blessed tens of thousands of Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Easter on Sunday. This final appearance came just weeks after he was released from a severe hospital stay that had nearly claimed his life, a situation his doctors had warned would require an extended period of recovery.

Despite the challenges to his health, Francis's spirit remained unyielded. Mr. Vance, reflecting on their encounter, noted the Pope's frail condition, offering condolences to the millions of Christians who cherished him and recalling a message of hope from Francis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Francis's determination to fulfill his commitments was evident even after his health appeared to improve minimally in early April. Public appearances became pivotal moments in his efforts to champion social issues and global concerns, as he disregarded medical guidelines that suggested he take it easy.

Addressing the crowd at St. Peter's Square from a wheelchair, Francis greeted them warmly but with a weak voice, proclaiming, "Happy Easter," before allowing an aide to deliver his Easter message. This message reiterated his critiques of anti-immigrant rhetoric and called for an immediate cease-fire in conflict zones like Gaza. He expressed deep concern over rising antisemitism and the humanitarian plight of those in war-torn areas, particularly Christians in Gaza.

The crowd's fervent applause echoed through the square, reflecting the public's admiration for the Pope's dedication. This final papal address, known as "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and the World), would mark a poignant close to Francis’s extraordinary life of service.

Following the Easter mass, the Pope took a final lap around St. Peter’s Square in an open car, greeted by waves of affection from the gathered faithful, reaffirming his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the global community throughout his papacy.