Pope Francis: Last days full of farewell and secrets!

Pope Francis: Last days full of farewell and secrets!

Vatikanstadt, Vatikanstadt - On April 23, 2025, Pope Francis died after a stroke. Despite its serious health problems, the Pontifex was pragmatic and optimistic in the days immediately before his death. Information from the Vatican indicates that Francis was aware of his near end. So he is said to have said to be familiar on Wednesday: "Pray now especially for me, I only stay for a few days!" These words give an idea of how intense the last moments of his life were.

On Holy Saturday, the Pope came together with Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin to discuss the course of the Easter blessing. According to reports, he had visibly lost energy and fell asleep during the session. This exhaustion was alarming, but when the parolin asked him whether he wanted to do without the Easter blessing, Francis replied: "No, that is important, it will be my last greeting."

The sudden death

The death of Pope Francis occurred on Easter Monday, at a time when reports stated that he was in a good mood at 6 a.m. However, this quickly changed: At around 5:30 a.m., he already showed symptoms of a new health crisis. Despite immediate medical intervention, he could no longer be helped and he died at 7.35 a.m.

After his death, there was reports on a fall that had led to a large hematoma on the left half of the face. The circumstances are unclear whether the fall was the cause or consequence of the stroke. The final Vatica report called a total and irreversible cardiovascular failure as a cause of death.

health challenges

Pope Francis' health was already tense. On February 14, he was brought to the Gemelli Clinic due to complicated respiratory diseases. These problems were the result of long-lasting therapy of its chronic bronchitis, which had significantly weakened the 87-year-old Pontifex's immune system. During his stay in the clinic, there were considerations to better adapt the Pope's apartment in the Santa Marta guest house to the needs of a man's handicapped and infectious.

In the weeks before his death, Francis had already shortened speeches and sermons. Despite the possibility of great trips in question, it was expected that shorter visits were still feasible. However, he was determined to continue his reform projects in the Vatican state and the Roman Curia, since the world synod had not yet been completed and significant dogmatic changes were imminent.

Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Paul Gallagher were ready to take over more important roles in a possibly unstable international context. It is clear that the Cardinal College has become more visible and has already taken on the representative task for the Pope at significant services and events.

The loss of Pope Francis, whose pontificate was strongly shaped by modernization and reform, will be further analyzed and reflected in the coming days and weeks. The big challenge for the Catholic Church is now in the finding of a successor and the continuation of his teachings and traditions.