On April 21, 2025, the Roman Catholic community mourned the loss of Pope Francis, who died at 7:35 a.m. on a Monday, the day following Easter. His death came as a surprise, especially after a recent recovery from perilous pneumonia that had kept him hospitalized for 38 days. Just weeks prior, the pope was discharged from a Rome hospital, and his aides had projected hope towards a new chapter of his pontificate, despite visible signs of his continued struggle with health complications.
His unexpected demise, after displaying a burst of public activity in the days leading up to Easter, including a memorable wheelchair appearance in St. Peter’s Basilica, and an inspiring visit to a neighboring prison, has left many questioning whether these moments served as a poignant farewell to the faithful. He had defied doctors' orders to rest, making appearances that now resonate deeply with a sense of finality.
At a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, just hours before his passing, Francis delivered a heartfelt message of hope and addressed global issues like disarmament and support for migrants. In his final public remarks from the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica, the pontiff extended blessings to the crowds gathered below, reinforcing his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes throughout his tenure.
This sudden loss of a pope known for his unpredictability and deep compassion leaves a heartfelt void in the Vatican and for followers worldwide, as they grapple with the heartfelt messages he imparted until the very end.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome bureau chief for The Times, covering Italy, the Vatican, Greece, and other parts of Southern Europe.
His unexpected demise, after displaying a burst of public activity in the days leading up to Easter, including a memorable wheelchair appearance in St. Peter’s Basilica, and an inspiring visit to a neighboring prison, has left many questioning whether these moments served as a poignant farewell to the faithful. He had defied doctors' orders to rest, making appearances that now resonate deeply with a sense of finality.
At a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, just hours before his passing, Francis delivered a heartfelt message of hope and addressed global issues like disarmament and support for migrants. In his final public remarks from the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica, the pontiff extended blessings to the crowds gathered below, reinforcing his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes throughout his tenure.
This sudden loss of a pope known for his unpredictability and deep compassion leaves a heartfelt void in the Vatican and for followers worldwide, as they grapple with the heartfelt messages he imparted until the very end.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome bureau chief for The Times, covering Italy, the Vatican, Greece, and other parts of Southern Europe.
