Pope Francis, who
passed away at the age of 88 in Rome on Monday, April 21, less than a day after
delivering a brief Easter Sunday message in St. Peter’s Basilica, is remembered
as a spiritual leader whose life and final moments were deeply intertwined with
prayer and devotion.
His passing during the holiest time in the Christian
calendar has deeply moved Catholics worldwide. Many see symbolic meaning in the timing, with Easter representing
resurrection and hope. In the Vatican, people expressed shock and
admiration that he fulfilled his final public duty despite his frailty.