April 21, 2025, 9:49 a.m. ET
Pope Francis' unexpected death, announced on Monday at 7:35 a.m., has left the Roman Catholic Church and its followers in mourning. Recovering from a perilous bout of pneumonia that landed him in the hospital for 38 days, his passing came just a day after he successfully marked Easter Sunday with both public and private engagements that reflected his unwavering spirit and dedication.
Just weeks ahead of his death, the Pope had won the approval of the faithful after his release from the hospital. Advocates within the Vatican expressed hopes for a renewed phase in his leadership, despite evident signs that his health was fragile. The pontiff, known for his unpredictability, had recently made uncharacteristic public appearances, which in retrospect, feel like poignant final goodbyes. During the closing days of his life, he was seen in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he prayed at the altar, greeted supporters on Palm Sunday, and even visited inmates in a nearby prison.
In a deeply moving Easter Sunday appearance, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and addressed gathered crowds from the Vatican balcony, delivering a heartfelt Easter blessing and urging collective action against global issues such as antisemitism and support for migrants. Against the medical advice to avoid crowds, he chose instead to bless a newborn child during a ride in the popemobile, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his papal duties until the end.
As tributes pour in for Pope Francis, the nuances of his final days remind the world of his enduring mission for compassion and justice that transcended boundaries. Jason Horowitz, the Rome bureau chief for The Times, continues to cover the unfolding tributes and reflections on this pivotal moment for the Church and its followers.
Pope Francis' unexpected death, announced on Monday at 7:35 a.m., has left the Roman Catholic Church and its followers in mourning. Recovering from a perilous bout of pneumonia that landed him in the hospital for 38 days, his passing came just a day after he successfully marked Easter Sunday with both public and private engagements that reflected his unwavering spirit and dedication.
Just weeks ahead of his death, the Pope had won the approval of the faithful after his release from the hospital. Advocates within the Vatican expressed hopes for a renewed phase in his leadership, despite evident signs that his health was fragile. The pontiff, known for his unpredictability, had recently made uncharacteristic public appearances, which in retrospect, feel like poignant final goodbyes. During the closing days of his life, he was seen in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he prayed at the altar, greeted supporters on Palm Sunday, and even visited inmates in a nearby prison.
In a deeply moving Easter Sunday appearance, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and addressed gathered crowds from the Vatican balcony, delivering a heartfelt Easter blessing and urging collective action against global issues such as antisemitism and support for migrants. Against the medical advice to avoid crowds, he chose instead to bless a newborn child during a ride in the popemobile, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his papal duties until the end.
As tributes pour in for Pope Francis, the nuances of his final days remind the world of his enduring mission for compassion and justice that transcended boundaries. Jason Horowitz, the Rome bureau chief for The Times, continues to cover the unfolding tributes and reflections on this pivotal moment for the Church and its followers.
