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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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Hours before his death on Monday at the age of 88, Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, made a final post on X, formerly Twitter, about the meaning of life.
"Christ is risen! This proclamation contains the entire meaning of our existence, which is not made for death but for life. #Easter," the pope wrote on his Spanish-language account, on Easter Sunday.
Why It Matters
The tweet was posted on Easter Sunday, less than 24 hours before Pope Francis' death. It was one of several messages the Pope shared on his official X accounts during the holiday, emphasizing themes of resurrection, peace, and renewal.
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Francis died at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to the Holy See. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced his death, stating, "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church."
What To Know
The pope had been ill for weeks, having suffered from bronchitis and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia in February. After 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his residence at the Vatican.
Despite missing most Holy Week events, he made a significant effort to appear publicly on Easter. Francis addressed crowds from a wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He waved to the faithful and blessed babies from his popemobile before delegating his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" message to an aide.
Francis' final days included a private meeting with Vice President JD Vance, who had traveled to the Vatican just a day before the pope's passing. Vance later posted on social media about the encounter, offering condolences and recalling the Pope's memorable homily during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which Francis had delivered a message of spiritual resilience from an empty St. Peter's Square.
During his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis called for an end to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, using his "Urbi et Orbi" address to urge peace and humanitarian efforts.
What People Are Saying
Vice President JD Vance on X: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul."
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in a statement: "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
What Happens Next
Francis' death triggers the "sede vacante," or empty seat, period. The Vatican will soon convene a conclave of cardinals to elect a new pope. His body is expected to be moved to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing on Wednesday, ahead of funeral rites later this week. The late pontiff had requested that the funeral be simple and focused on Christ's resurrection.
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