Pope Francis dies aged 88: Inside final hours blessing Easter worshippers and meeting JD Vance

Pope Francis emerged only yesterday to wish a crowd of tens of thousands a “Happy Easter”.

The Pope has died aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Pope Francis emerged yesterday to wish a crowd of tens of thousands a “Happy Easter”.

“Viva il Papa! (Long live the pope), Bravo,” the crowd shouted as Francis looped through the square and then up and down the main avenue leading to it.

He stopped occasionally to bless babies brought up to him.

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” Francis said.

Francis didn’t celebrate the Easter Mass in the piazza delegating it to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peters Basilica.

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

But after the Mass ended, Francis appeared on the loggia balcony over the basilica entrance for more than 20 minutes and imparted the apostolic blessing in Latin.

The crowd of people below, estimated by the Vatican to be more than 35,000, erupted in cheers as a military band kicked off rounds of the Holy See anthem.

In all, Francis was outside on a sunny spring day for around 50 minutes with temperatures at 21C.

US Vice President JD Vance also met briefly with Pope Francis on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings.

Pope Francis receives US Vice President JD Vance in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025. At center the head of the papal houshold Bishop Leonardo Sapienza. Picture: Vatican Media via AP, HO

Francis received Vance in one of the reception rooms of the Vatican hotel where he lives.He offered the Catholic vice president three big chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s three young children, who did not attend, as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries.

“I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the Pope. “Thank you for seeing me.”

Vances motorcade entered Vatican City through a side gate while Easter Mass was being celebrated in St. Peters Square.

The Vatican said they met for a few minutes at the Domus Santa Marta to exchange Easter greetings.

Vance’s office said the vice president expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for inviting him to meet on Easter Sunday and for the hospitality the Vatican has extended to his family.

“I pray for you every day,” Vance said as he bid Francis farewell. “God bless you.”

In all, Vances motorcade was on Vatican territory for 17 minutes.

Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St. Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025.Picture: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Pope Francis’ tragic death has plunged 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe into mourning.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

“This morning at 7.35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”

Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.

This article appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.