Pope Francis: Final Days, Speeches, & Legacy - In Memoriam
Was the final Easter Sunday address from St. Peter's Square truly the final farewell? Pope Francis, whose life was dedicated to bridging divides and advocating for the marginalized, delivered his last "Urbi et Orbi" message on Easter Sunday, marking the end of an era.
The echoes of his words, delivered from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, still resonate. The traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and to the World) message, a hallmark of papal appearances on Easter Sunday, was his final public appearance. He addressed a crowd exceeding 20,000, offering his Easter greetings, but the solemnity of the occasion was perhaps amplified by the knowledge of what was to come. Just days later, the world would learn of his passing. His final public speech, which included a poignant address on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressed deep sympathy for the Palestinian people and called for an immediate end to the hostilities. This was a stark reminder of his unwavering commitment to peace and justice, even in his final hours.
Beyond the Easter address, Pope Francis's life was punctuated by significant engagements. He participated in the G7 session on Artificial Intelligence in Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, on June 14, 2024, adding his voice to the global conversation on technological ethics. He addressed the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in Manhattan, New York, in September 2015, demonstrating his deep-seated concerns about global issues. His discussions with world leaders, including Obama, Biden, and Trump, were a testament to his influence on the international stage. His meetings with various leaders showed his attempt to unite and bring positive change.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | March, 2024 |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Education | Master's Degree in Chemistry |
| Ordained | December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 2013 |
| Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Notable Actions | Focus on social justice, environmental protection, and dialogue with different religions. |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on poverty, climate change, and the refugee crisis. |
| Significant Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Reference | Vatican News |
The Vatican, on Monday, April 21, 2025, announced the passing of Pope Francis. The announcement was made by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell. The image released by Vatican Media, showed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Edgar Pea Parra, and Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli present as well. The news immediately triggered a global wave of mourning and reflection on the impact of his pontificate.
Pope Francis's speeches were often marked by their directness. In a recent interview, he discussed the global conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, addressing sensitive issues with characteristic openness. His words during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on March 13, 2024, exemplified his commitment to teaching and engaging with his flock. Even in a new memoir, he stated his desire to continue, even though his health had declined. In January 9, 2025, he delivered a speech in Vatican City.
On Christmas Day, he delivered his annual "Urbi et Orbi" speech from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. His addresses went beyond the Vatican; he often spoke on the global stage, including at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, where he called for diplomacy of hope, emphasizing the need to overcome partisan thinking and pursue the common good. His final speech was delivered less than 24 hours before his death.
One of the recurring themes of Pope Francis's teachings was the importance of silence and introspection. He invited everyone "to cultivate spaces for silence in which another word can emerge: That of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." This call for mindful communication extended to the dangers of unchecked speech, cautioning against "flattery, bragging, lies, backbiting, and slander." His words served as a constant reminder of the power of words.
His pontificate was not without challenges. His visit to Belgium, for example, was met with criticism and scrutiny. The discussion with the Catholic University women, where there was a "paradigm change" was discussed on women's issues. Pope Francis's legacy is complex, marked by moments of unity and division. His teachings continue to be discussed and debated. His commitment to helping the poor was unwavering. His efforts to open the church to the world will also be a constant reminder. His views are still debated even after his death.
The process of electing a new pope, the papal conclave, is an important aspect. His death set in motion the procedures for selecting his successor, a process governed by strict rules and traditions. Knowing the steps involved in a papal conclave provides a better understanding of the transition of power. The meetings he had with various leaders served as a great lesson for all.
