When did Pope Francis make his last appearance? Tributes pour in as sovereign dies at 88 due to double pneumonia battle

Pope Francis, who marks the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, died Monday at age 88, a day after he surprised the world with his appearance at Easter celebrations. His final outing drew global attention as the pontiff, despite recent health struggles, greeted tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, offering blessings and peace to a world in turmoil.

“Brothers and sisters, happy Easter!” the pope mentioned from the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Francis is known for his humility, progressive views on social issues, and modernization during his time as Pope. In 2013, he became the first American pope and the first from the Jesuit order, which made him a symbol of inclusive and reformist change.

As per tradition, Pope Francis delivered the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the basilica balcony. Archbishop Diego Ravelli read his message, urging peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Myanmar. The message read:

“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace! On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves… For all of us are children of God.”

His final outing drew global attention as the pontiff, despite recent health struggles, greeted tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, offering blessings and peace to a world in turmoil.

Also read: What was Pope Francis' net worth? Details explored as Vatican announces death at 88

Tributes pour in as Pope Francis dies at 88 due to double pneumonia battle

Global leaders, religious heads of various faiths, and the common people have paid their tributes to Francis.

American filmmaker Martin Scorsese told Variety Pope Francis is “in every way a remarkable human being." He continued,

"He acknowledged his own failings. He radiated wisdom. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad commitment to the good. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a terrible plague on humanity. So he never stopped learning. And he never stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practiced forgiveness. Universal and constant forgiveness.”

“The loss for me runs deep — I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth. The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished,” he added.

“A beautiful day in Rome, but a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis.” Actor Russell Crowe wrote on X.

This is a little flower a dandelion humble yet strong. I saw it this morning and was moved. Farewell dear Pope Francis. Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss their champion," musician Patti Smith wrote on Instagram.

Eva Longoria's Instagram caption read,

“Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.”

The Spanish actor Antonio Banderas called the Pope a man who,

“at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people.”

The Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan mentioned

“Rest in peace and power, Pope Francis, you opened hearts and minds were fearless in your guidance. Thank you for putting love first until your last moments on this earth,” she wrote on Instagram, along with the peace sign, cross and sunflower emojis.

The Vatican has announced that preparations for Pope Francis' funeral and the transition process will begin immediately.

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