On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis made his final public visit at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for a blessing.
When the pontiff was released from the hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that resulted in double pneumonia, it was unclear at the time if he would join the service.
Pope Francis made history as the first Pope to come from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere .
There had not been a non-European Bishop of Rome since Gregory III, who was born in Syria, died in 741. Additionally, he was the first Jesuit elected to the throne of St. Peter; in the past, Rome had viewed Jesuits with distrust.
Benedict XVI, his predecessor, was the first pope to willingly retire in about 600 years, and the Vatican Gardens housed two popes for nearly ten years.
Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina was already in his seventies when he was elected Pope in 2013, contrary to the expectations of many Catholics that the new pope would be a younger man.
The revered Pope died at the age of 88.
See his last moments on Easter Sunday
Pope Francis has truly made a significant impact on the Catholic Church, breaking many traditions. His election as the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere was a historic moment. It’s remarkable how he continued to serve despite his health challenges, showing immense dedication. The fact that he was the first Jesuit Pope also highlights a shift in the Church’s perspective. How do you think his background influenced his approach to the papacy?