Pope Francis’ last public speech left people online very emotional, calling it “beautifully poetic.”
He passed away at 88, as confirmed by the Vatican in a public statement yesterday (April 21).
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The Vatican confirms his passing
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
Francis delivered his final speech on Easter Sunday
His real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and just over a day before his death, he showed up to speak one last time.
It was Easter, and he gave a short, emotional speech in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. People called it “heartbreaking.”
Tens of thousands gathered to see him
More than 35,000 people had come to see him that day.
The pope stood on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and looked down at the huge crowd. He didn’t look healthy. They brought him out in a wheelchair.
Helpers were by his side, fixing his robes, holding a straw so he could drink water, even helping him with the mic while he spoke in a hoarse voice.
His message began with a blessing
He waved to everyone below and said:
“Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter! Blessed be the almighty father and son and holy spirit.
“I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message.”
The Easter blessing was read by another
The rest of the Easter message, his “Urbi Et Orbi” blessing, wasn’t read by him directly.
The master of ceremonies read it out for him.
He opened with comfort for anyone carrying pain
“Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted.”
He called the resurrection proof that mercy is stronger than evil — and reminded people that real hope doesn’t sugarcoat things. It lifts.
He named over 20 countries
In his Easter message, the pope didn’t just stick to spiritual talk. He listed off country after country — places dealing with war, hunger, conflict, and climate disasters.
He prayed for people in Ukraine, Haiti, Myanmar, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and more. It was a global roll call of pain.
Gaza was front and center
“I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction… I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people.”
The pope didn’t hold back. He named names — Gaza, Israel, Palestine — and begged leaders to stop the violence, help the hungry, and protect people on both sides.
“In his eyes, every life is precious!”
He pointed to a growing disregard for human life around the world. From unborn babies to the elderly and unwanted, he said everyone deserves dignity and care.
War: a thirst for death
Francis didn’t water down his words. He said the world had developed a “thirst for death,” fueled by violence in families, hate toward migrants, and cruelty to the poor.
He said the resurrection was a call to see life as sacred, no matter whose it is.
Peace over politics
“Use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger… These are the ‘weapons’ of peace.”
Instead of more weapons, he asked leaders to invest in people. He warned against letting fear shut us off from each other, and said real courage means showing up for the vulnerable.
A plea for prisoners
“In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!”
Then came his touching appeal for those locked away. Political prisoners, prisoners of war… He asked the world not to forget them.
His final tweet echoed his message of hope
After his speech, his very last post on X beautifully summed up what he believed in:
“Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
Tributes flood in on social media
It didn’t take long for people online to start sharing their feelings.
One X user said: “A heartfelt tribute to a truly inspiring soul – Pope Francis’ legacy of love and service will forever guide humanity.”
Another person tweeted, “It’s beautifully poetic he finished this way…”
Someone else wrote, “It’s heartbreaking to see him trying his best to convey his Easter Sunday message to worshippers although he was obviously very weak. May he rest in peace.”
Pope Francis’ legacy of love and service will forever guide humanity.
