Pope Francis | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis’s Surprise Appearance Hours Before His Passing
Apr 24, 2025 - 03:04 P.M.
Pope Francis seemed and sounded stronger in his last hours as he made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, and delivered his final blessing over thousands of people.
At least 35,000 citizens had gathered in St. Peter’s Square when Pope Francis arrived in his open-top popemobile, riding through the square to wild and excited cheers from the crowd.
Pope Francis greets faithful during his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square on September 13, 2023, in Vatican City, Vatican. | Source: Getty Images
“‘Viva il Papa!’ (Long live the pope), ‘Bravo!’” the people shouted. Occasionally, he stopped and blessed babies that were brought up to him. “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” he said.
Although Pope Francis did not celebrate Easter Mass in the piazza—having delegated the duty to Cardinal Angelo Comastri—he appeared afterward on the loggia balcony overlooking the Basilica entrance. There, he imparted the apostolic blessing in Latin.
Pope Francis delivers his Urbi Et Orbi Blessing blessing from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square on April 20, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. | Source: Getty Images
During his Easter address, also known as the Urbi et Orbi, the pope called for peace in war-torn regions of the world, especially Ukraine, Yemen, and Gaza. He added that there could be no peace without freedom of religion, of thought, of expression, and genuine respect for the views of others.
Pope Francis greets pilgrims during the 'Jubilee Of The Sick And Health Care Workers' at St. Peter's Square on April 06, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. | Source: Getty Images
Tragically, he passed away the following day, on April 21, 2025, at age 88. His final public appearance came just one month after he was discharged from the hospital following a five-week stay, during which he battled double pneumonia.
