Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
Here are some moving moments surrounding Pope Francis' death that touched Catholics around the world:
1) Pope Francis Died on “Monday of the Angel.”
Easter Monday commemorates the angel’s announcement of Christ’s Resurrection to the women at the tomb. Pope Francis had always shown a tender devotion to the Guardian Angels.
He once said,
“Let us call upon them frequently in prayer… that they may help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our only salvation.”
2) He Died During the Easter Octave
The Easter Octave is the most joyful time in the Church’s year — eight days of celebrating Christ’s victory over death. Throughout his life, Francis preached and lived the joy of the Resurrection. He often said that Christians must “sow the hope of Easter in our lives and in the world.”
3) His Last Public Appearance Was on Easter Sunday
Despite his visible frailty, Pope Francis appeared one final time to offer the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday.
In his homily, which he could not read by himself, he reminded the world:
“We can live this poor, fragile, and wounded existence clinging to Christ, because He has conquered death… to make us live with Him in joy, forever.”
4) His Last Words
According to Vatican journalist Salvatore Cernuzio, Pope Francis’ final words were whispered on Easter Monday morning, and were about gratitude to the people helping him:
“He asked for a glass of water, drank it, said to the nurse, ‘Thank you, sorry for the inconvenience,’ and then died.”
5) His Body Was Taken to Saint Peter’s Basilica on His Name Day
On April 23, the feast of Saint George — patron of Jorge Mario Bergoglio — the late Pope’s body was carried to Saint Peter’s Basilica. Throughout his pontificate, Francis often invoked Saint George when speaking of spiritual combat and courage against evil.
6) He Was Buried on the Eve of Divine Mercy Sunday
Mercy was the cornerstone of Pope Francis’ papacy. His motto, “Miserando atque eligendo” (“He looked upon him with mercy and chose him”), and his proclamation of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2015 made clear how central mercy was to his mission. He was buried on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday — a providential seal on his life.
7) He Died on the Eve of a Jesuit Marian Feast
As the first Jesuit pope, Francis’ passing on the eve of the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus (April 22), carried special resonance. The Jesuits have long honored Mary as their mother and guide.
In his spiritual testament, Francis wrote that he wanted his earthly journey to end close to her, resting in Saint Mary Major, where he prayed before and after every apostolic trip.
8) His Funeral Became a Mini “World Youth Day.”
In a moving tribute to his love for young people, tens of thousands of youth — many formed in the faith under his guidance — filled Saint Peter’s Square for his funeral as that weekend the Jubilee of Teenagers was supposed to take place. They brought flags, rosaries, and the joy he had always encouraged them to share.
The scene resembled a miniature World Youth Day — one last celebration of the Pope, who told them again and again:
“Christ is alive, and He wants you to be alive!”