Pope Francis: Latest News & His Final Words | RIP
Could a single voice truly resonate across the globe, shaping hearts and influencing destinies? The life and legacy of Pope Francis, a towering figure on the world stage, emphatically answers in the affirmative. His recent passing at the age of 88 marks not just the end of an era, but the close of a chapter in a story that spanned continents and touched the lives of millions.
The news of Pope Francis' death, confirmed in a statement released by the Vatican on April 21st, sent ripples of mourning and remembrance across the globe. His final public appearance, a blessing delivered on Easter Sunday from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, a place where he was first introduced to the world as Pope twelve years prior, now takes on an added layer of poignancy. This act, the blessing of the entire world, became his final public act, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the global community. It was a fitting farewell, a final act of faith and hope delivered to the world.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025 (Age 88) |
| Nationality | Argentine, Vatican City |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, Philosophy |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained | December 13, 1969 (Priesthood) |
| Episcopal Consecration | June 28, 1992 |
| Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires | February 28, 1998 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Notable Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, care for the poor and marginalized, environmental advocacy, reforms within the Catholic Church |
| Final Public Act | Easter Sunday blessing of the entire world from St. Peter's Basilica |
| Final Public Speech | Addressed the war in Gaza, expressing sympathy for the Palestinian people and calling for an end to the war. Praised on social media for being "beautifully poetic." |
| Funeral | Scheduled for Saturday at the Vatican |
| Reference | Vatican News |
The final hours of Pope Francis, details of which were released by the Vatican on Tuesday, were a period of quiet reflection and preparation. The world watched, and continues to watch, the somber unfolding of events. The funeral, scheduled for Saturday, will be a significant occasion, a moment of collective mourning and a testament to his enduring impact. The faithful have already begun to pay their respects, with lines forming to view the body in state inside St. Peter's Basilica.
His final public address, delivered less than twenty-four hours before his death, resonates with a particular poignancy. Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he expressed heartfelt sympathy for the Palestinian people and called for an immediate end to the war. This plea for peace, reflecting his long-standing commitment to justice and compassion, served as a final, urgent message to the world. His heartbreaking final address, as described by many, has been widely praised for its beautifully poetic nature.
Earlier in the year, Pope Francis' health had been a subject of concern. He was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14th for treatment of bronchitis. While the world followed these developments closely, the pontiff remained resolute in his duties and continued to speak out on crucial global issues.
The annual "state of the world" address, delivered on Thursday, underscored his vision for a "diplomacy of hope" in the upcoming 2025 Jubilee year. In this address, he urged ambassadors to champion truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice principles that underscored his papacy. This vision was not simply a diplomatic strategy, but a call to action, a demand for a world shaped by these fundamental values.
He spoke about hope as a gift of God. The pontiff explained that hope is not merely "a habit or a character trait," but a "strength ('virtus' in Latin) to be asked for," a gift of God that spurs Christians "to start again on the journey of life."
His words often carried weight. Reflecting on the importance of measured speech, Pope Francis observed the need to "weigh words and dose them well." He spoke of the dangers of anger and its capacity to damage relationships, particularly within families where inhibitions may be lower. He emphasized the importance of controlling tensions and irritations.
His addresses and speeches were not only statements of policy, but also reflections on the human condition. Speaking during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, he often invited everyone "to cultivate spaces for silence in which another word can emerge: that of the holy spirit who dwells in us." This involved a careful consideration of speech, recognizing its potential for harm through "flattery, bragging, lies, backbiting, and slander."
His reflections also extended to the role of the Church in the modern world. During a visit to Trieste, Italy, for an event during Italian Catholic Social Week on July 7, 2024, he spoke about the Church's ongoing mission and its commitment to social justice.
The impact of Pope Francis extended beyond the walls of the Vatican. His words were amplified by social media, particularly through his final post to Twitter. The words that he chose to close his life with perfectly capture its meaning and essence: "These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life."
In a memoir, Pope Francis indicated that he had "many projects to bring to fruition," revealing his continued commitment to the papacy and his belief in the importance of his role. He was quoted as saying that he had no plans to resign and wasn't suffering from any health problems. The journey through life, for Pope Francis, was a path of continuous service.
The significance of his messages and actions were reflected in events that took place far from Rome. During a visit to the island nations of East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Singapore in September, Pope Francis spoke about the challenges facing those nations. During a visit to Belgium, he engaged with university women, in a visit which gave rise to intense debate, reflecting the complexity of challenges facing the Church in the modern world.
The announcement of his death, made by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell on April 21, 2025, marked a moment of profound significance. The world now turns its attention to the upcoming papal conclave, to determine the next leader of the Catholic Church. As the world mourns his passing, the legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly live on, inspiring generations. His life was one of unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and a commitment to serving others.
