These Were Pope Francis's Last Emotional Words Before Passing Away

Silence fell over the Vatican this Monday morning. At 7:35 a.m., Pope Francis passed away at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, in Rome. The official announcement was made by the camerlengo cardinal, Kevin Farrell.

The pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for almost twelve years, was 88 years old. His death occurred just hours after his last public appearance. It was during the Easter Sunday celebration in St. Peter's Square.

The Last Blessing of Pope Francis: An Unexpected Farewell

Despite his delicate health, Pope Francis wanted to keep his appointment with the faithful. In a wheelchair and without oxygen, he appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. From there, he gave his last Urbi et Orbi blessing.

He asked Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations Diego Ravelli to read the Easter message. Then he wished everyone present a "Happy Easter." The gesture was applauded by the nearly 50,000 faithful gathered in the square.

After the blessing, he surprised everyone by getting into the popemobile. He toured the square for several minutes, greeting and blessing. He even stopped to bless some children, although his movements were visibly slow.

Unknowingly, that was to be his last public appearance because, hours later, the Vatican confirmed his passing. The Camerlengo cardinal declared: "Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis." It was the message that confirmed the news to the world.

These Were Pope Francis's Last Words

Pope Francis also left a final message on his social media. On his official X account —formerly Twitter— he wrote: "Christ is risen! In this announcement is contained the entire meaning of our existence, which is not made for death but for life." The message was posted on Sunday at 1:15 p.m.

These words now take on an even deeper meaning. Written just a few hours before he died, his message about life triumphing over death becomes a final testimony of faith. It was his way of saying goodbye, reaffirming that his existence, as he himself expressed, was not destined to die, but to transcend.

Pope Francis's body will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica. There, the faithful will be able to pay their respects. Subsequently, a ceremony will be held, led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

With his death, all high offices of the Holy See must cease immediately. The Vatican is now under the custody of the Camerlengo cardinal until the election of a new Pope. The celebrations planned for the Jubilee 2025 have also been interrupted.

In the coming days, the dean cardinal, Giovanni Battista Re, will convene the cardinals. Only those under 80 years old, considered electors, must travel to Rome. Their mission will be to participate in the conclave and elect the next pontiff.

The conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after Pope Francis's death. The cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel after a special mass. Voting will take place up to four times a day.

To have a new Pope, a two-thirds majority is needed. By the time there is consensus, white smoke will emerge from the Vatican. Then, the world will hear the traditional "Habemus Papam" from the balcony of St. Peter's.

Pope Francis has left an indelible mark on the Church and millions of faithful. His final message, centered on life beyond death, sums up his faith and his legacy. Today, the Catholic world bids him farewell with sorrow, but also with hope.