This morning brought heartbreaking news: *“Pope Francis has passed away.”* The Vatican confirmed his death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. What was meant to be a joyful day turned into one of global mourning. Known for his humility and compassion, Pope Francis touched millions with his advocacy for the marginalized and his message of peace.

Despite frail health, he made a final appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting the crowd from his wheelchair. *“Happy Easter,”* he said, offering a blessing to the faithful. During the Mass, led by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, a powerful Easter message was read on his behalf. It urged peace and justice, especially for war-torn Gaza, and condemned antisemitism. *“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression,”* the Pope declared—words now seen as his last moral stand.

Though too weak to lead most Holy Week events, Pope Francis still made a symbolic appearance on Saturday. His quiet strength and commitment to the Church remained until the end.

At 88, he succumbed to double pneumonia after being recently released from the hospital. His legacy—as the first Jesuit, first Latin American pope, and voice for the voiceless—will live on.