Pope Francis: The Last Photographs

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Last updated on: April 21, 2025 14:03 IST

IMAGE: Pope Francis speaks from a balcony on the day of the Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) message at St Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025. Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters

Pope Francis, who made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St Peter's Square in the popemobile and greeting crowds just weeks after a serious bout of pneumonia, passed away at 0735 Vatican time on Monday morning.

'Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,' a statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said.

'At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,' Cardinal Farrell added.

Though the Pope did not lead the Easter Mass on Sunday, he delivered a traditional peace message from the balcony, calling for an end to wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Congo and Myanmar.

He also briefly met US Vice President J D Vance -- who converted to Catholicism in 2019 -- for Easter greetings.

Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters

Photograph: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

IMAGE: Pope Francis meets with US Vice President J D Vance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. Photograph: Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters