Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, just one day after making a public appearance on Easter Sunday. The Vatican confirmed his death early Monday morning, sparking an outpouring of grief from Catholics and world leaders across the globe.

Despite recent health struggles and appearing frail in a wheelchair, the Pope gave his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. The message—read aloud by a Vatican archbishop—called for peace, condemned rising antisemitism, and urged greater religious tolerance and global unity.

Francis had been battling a series of health issues for months and was hospitalized several times at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was largely absent from this year’s Holy Week observances—the first time he had missed them since becoming pope in 2013. In recent weeks, he had quietly transferred many of his duties to senior cardinals, making only limited public appearances.

Even in his final days, Pope Francis remained a global symbol of humility, compassion, and moral leadership. His passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church. He leaves behind a powerful legacy—one defined by his deep commitment to unity, social justice, and care for the most vulnerable.