Following Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday, mourners are reflecting on his final public appearance just one day before.
Catholic Arena shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), showing the pope in the popemobile as he waved to the cheering crowds on Easter Sunday. The post poignantly stated, “This was goodbye.”
In his last major public appearance, Pope Francis, appearing frail and seated in a wheelchair, delivered the Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica and later drove through St. Peter’s Square. This marked his return to public life after a five-week hospital stay for pneumonia.
The Vatican confirmed the Argentine pontiff’s death on Monday at the age of 88. For many, the Easter Sunday footage, captured just a day before his passing, now serves as his silent farewell, a moment imbued with deep meaning for both the faithful and global observers.
“This was goodbye,” Catholic Arena wrote, as the video quickly spread across social media. The 88-year-old pope, although visibly weakened, greeted the faithful with a wave, making his last public appearance a symbolic testament to his resilience and dedication to his pastoral duties despite his declining health.
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a transformative papacy that focused on reform, outreach, and controversy. His final appearance, following a period of illness, underscores his unwavering commitment to his role, even in his final days.