Read Pope Francis' Last Words: His Final Speech & Legacy
Did the world truly grasp the final words of Pope Francis, a leader whose influence resonated across continents? His last public address, delivered on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, just hours before his death, offers a poignant glimpse into his enduring legacy of hope and peace.
On April 20th, the day before his passing, Pope Francis, a towering figure on the world stage, delivered a message brimming with emotion to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square. His words, a heartfelt speech echoing the core tenets of his papacy, were a final testament to his unwavering commitment to faith, compassion, and global unity. The pontiff, despite facing major health challenges, demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to his calling, making his last public appearance at the Vatican for the Easter Sunday blessing.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | (Date not provided in the source material, it is assumed he passed away shortly after his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. |
| Known For | Pope of the Catholic Church (2013-death); First Jesuit Pope; Advocate for the poor, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue |
| Education | Master of Arts in Chemical Technology; Studied Philosophy and Theology |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (Having mercy and choosing him) |
| Key Initiatives | Laudato Si' (Environmental encyclical), Fratelli Tutti (Social encyclical), Synodal Path. |
| Website Reference | Vatican Website (Official) |
The "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, a traditional papal address, delivered from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, saw Pope Francis appealing for peace. The Pope extended his heartfelt words to the regions currently facing conflicts, specifically mentioning Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Myanmar. The remainder of his Easter Sunday speech, which echoed his call for compassion and understanding, was published in the official Easter Sunday message, providing a comprehensive view of his final public address.
The impact of his message was evident as Vice President J.D. Vance, among others, acknowledged the Pope's "Urbi et Orbi" blessing. It was a solemn moment, the culmination of Easter mass at the Vatican.
His final public speech, delivered less than 24 hours before his passing, touched on the ongoing war in Gaza. Pope Francis expressed his deepest sympathy for the Palestinian people, making a heartfelt plea for an immediate end to the conflict and a return to the path of peace.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, Vatican Media released an image depicting Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, flanked by high-ranking officials, announcing the death of Pope Francis. The announcement served as a somber reminder of the end of an era, the closing of a chapter defined by compassion, dialogue, and unwavering faith.
During the Easter Sunday blessing, he offered a succinct message, a singular line from his speech, to the gathered crowd. His words, a profound encapsulation of his broader message, were published in their entirety, allowing for a thorough examination of his final public testament.
In the midday Angelus prayer, Pope Francis appeared at the window of his study, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, addressing thousands of faithful and pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. In the introduction to the Marian prayer, he greeted his audience, wishing them a happy Sunday.
The pontiff also encouraged individuals "to cultivate spaces for silence in which another word can emerge: That of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." He underscored the importance of mindful speech, recognizing the potential for words to become "flattery, bragging, lies, backbiting, and slander."
In a speech given aboard the papal plane on September 13, 2024, Pope Francis addressed the choices faced by American voters, referencing the concept of choosing "the lesser evil." This remark highlighted his deep understanding of political landscapes.
During his appearance on Easter Sunday, he delivered a message of hope and peace at the Vatican, shortly before his death. The pontiff, despite his health challenges, continued to fulfill his responsibilities.
Pope Francis also participated in an ordination service at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome in January. Further demonstrating his devotion.
In a speech to Catholic educators, the pope addressed the gathering on Saturday, sharing his vision for education and its role in shaping the future.
On Easter Sunday, a brief appearance in St. Peter's Square allowed Pope Francis to bless thousands, as he continued his recovery.
In Singapore, on Thursday in September, Pope Francis commended the local policies designed to assist the most vulnerable. His words resonated with the themes of compassion.
In September, during a visit to the United States, the Pope addressed the U.S. Congress. Speaker of the House John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden were present. In his address, the Pope touched on various themes, showing his commitment to dialogue.
Pope Francis emphasized how Jesus' birth, the son of a poor carpenter, should inspire hope, as he led the world's Roman Catholics. His words echoed the belief that everyone could leave a mark on the world.
In the past years, there was speculation regarding his health, the address he gave on Thursday could suggest that the Jubilee Year Program would bring new challenges.
As the pontiff delivered a speech to the international network of Catholic theological societies, he reflected on his mission to convert the church.
Before his death, Pope Francis received a message to the directors and personnel of the Vatican Public Security Inspectorate, to members of the Popes worldwide prayer network foundation, to the members of the Hilton Foundation, and to the community of the Almo Collegio, during his time as pope.
Facebook posts, stating that the pope had delivered a retirement speech, were found to be inaccurate. The text contained in the posts was not the popes exact words but an unofficial summary and a pastors analysis of a speech he made in Cuba in 2015.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently promoted a message of humility and faith, his final words echoing throughout the world.
