The Detail of Pope Francis's Last Image Before Passing Away That No One Saw

Pope Francis died this Monday, April 21, at 7:35 a.m. He passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, responsible for announcing the news to the world, communicated this.

The Argentine pontiff had been struggling with respiratory difficulties for weeks. Recently, he had been admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome for over a month. Although he showed signs of improvement, his body couldn't withstand the progressive decay.

The direct cause of death was a new respiratory crisis. According to the Vatican's medical reports, the Pope suffered two acute episodes of respiratory failure. This was due to a large accumulation of endobronchial mucus, which caused bronchospasms.

The Detail About Pope Francis That Went Unnoticed Yesterday

Just hours before dying, Pope Francis made his last public appearance. It took place during the Easter Sunday celebration, on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. In a wheelchair, weakened, he greeted the thousands of faithful gathered in the Vatican square.

What few noticed then was a revealing detail: Pope Francis wasn't wearing nasal cannulas. For days, he had depended on non-invasive ventilation. But that Sunday, he chose to show himself to the world without visible breathing assistance.

Despite his condition, Jorge Mario Bergoglio decided to show himself to the world. He did so without nasal cannulas, a barely noticed but revealing detail. For weeks, he had depended on mechanical support to breathe, but on Sunday he chose to present himself without visible aid.

The sun illuminated St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. It was noon, and nearly 50,000 faithful waited in silence, with contained emotion. Then, Pope Francis appeared on the Vatican balcony, in a wheelchair, receiving a strong applause.

The scene was brief but intense. With visible difficulties speaking, the pontiff greeted those present and imparted his Urbi et Orbi blessing. No one knew yet, but that would be his last public appearance.

A Pontificate That No One Will Forget

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff in history. Also the first in centuries to share existence with an emeritus Pope, the German Benedict XVI. This unusual fact in the modern Church gave an unprecedented dimension to his papacy.

His death comes after a long hospitalization. For over a month, the Pope remained admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome due to a respiratory infection. Although at one point he seemed to recover and returned to his residence, his condition worsened over time.

However, he never lost lucidity or self-awareness, according to the Holy See. Pope Francis was "collaborative" until his last hours, facing his physical deterioration with courage. His spiritual strength remained firm until the end.

Now the Vatican begins preparations for his funeral. It will also have to convene the Conclave that will elect his successor. Such an election will be marked by the cardinals he himself appointed over these twelve years.

Pope Francis leaves behind a deep and humanistic legacy, but also a final image that has been etched in the collective memory. The image of a fragile but serene Pope, facing his last public act without artifices. A final silent gesture that said it all.