Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to “the service of the Lord and of His Church,” died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, the Vatican said.
The pope’s death on April 21 comes one day after Pope Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile − what would be his final public appearance. The pope, who shunned pomp and privilege and loved to be among the people, sat in a raised chair in the vehicle as thousands cheered “viva il papa.” He stopped at several places along the square, much to the delight of the crowd.
The pope died weeks after an extended hospital stay in which he battled bilateral pneumonia and other health issues.
Here’s a glimpse of the final moments of Pope Francis, known for advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, women in the church and immigration rights.
More: Pope Francis, a humble reformer who favored ‘the poorest,’ dies: Live updates
Photos show Pope Francis’ last appearance on Easter Day
Before Francis emerged into the crowd at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday in his popemobile, the pope had blessed the throng from a balcony.
He gave a proclamation that ‘Christ, my hope, has risen” before passing on his text to be read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli. An Italian cardinal presided over the Easter morning Mass that drew more than 50,000 faithful gathered to the “flower-filled Saint Peter’s Square,” the Vatican said.
Pope Francis also had a brief meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance on Sunday.
Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, John Bacon, and Susan Miller, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Francis made final public appearance on Easter Sunday: See photos
