Here are some poignant moments surrounding his death that touched Catholics worldwide:
1. He died on "Angel's Monday"
Easter Monday commemorates the angel's announcement of Christ's Resurrection to the women at the tomb. Pope Francis always showed a tender devotion to guardian angels. He once said: "Let us frequently turn to them in prayer, so that they may assist us in all situations of our lives and help us keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, our only salvation."
2. He died during the Octave of Easter
The Octave of Easter is the most joyful time of the year in the Church: eight days of celebrating Christ's victory over death. Throughout his life, Francis preached and lived the joy of the Resurrection. He often said that Christians should "sow the hope of Easter in our lives and in the world."
3. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday
Despite his visible frailty, Pope Francis made his last appearance to impart the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday. In his homily, which he was unable to read himself, he reminded the world: "We can live this poor, fragile, and wounded existence, clinging to Christ, because He has conquered death... to make us live with Him in joy, forever."
4. His last words
According to Vatican journalist Salvatore Cernuzio, Pope Francis's last words were whispered on the morning of Easter Monday, and expressed gratitude to those assisting him: "He asked for a glass of water, drank it, told the nurse: 'Thank you, excuse the trouble,' and then died."
5. His body was taken to St. Peter's Basilica on his name day
On April 23, the feast of St. George—patron saint of Jorge Mario Bergoglio—the Pope's body was transferred to St. Peter's Basilica. During his pontificate, Francis frequently invoked St. George when speaking of spiritual combat and courage in the face of evil.
6. He was buried on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday
Mercy was the cornerstone of Francis's pontificate. His motto, Miserando atque eligendo ("He looked with mercy and chose him"), and the proclamation of the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015 made it clear how central this theme was to his mission. He was buried on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, as a providential seal of his life.
7. He died on the eve of a Jesuit Marian feast day
As the first Jesuit Pope, Francis's death on the eve of the feast of Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus (April 22), held special significance. Jesuits have long honored Mary as mother and guide. In his spiritual testament, Francis wrote that he wished his earthly journey to end near her, resting in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed before and after every apostolic journey.
8. His funeral became a mini "World Youth Day"
In a moving tribute to his love for young people, tens of thousands of young people—many of whom had been formed in faith under his guidance—filled St. Peter's Square to attend his funeral, precisely on the weekend when the Jubilee of Adolescents was supposed to take place. They brought flags, rosaries, and the joy he had always encouraged them to share. The scene resembled a miniature World Youth Day: a final celebration of the Pope who repeatedly told them: "Christ is alive and wants you alive!"
Taken from: Churchpop
