Pope Francis died: Last Easter message full of hope

Pope Francis died: Last Easter message full of hope

On April 22, 2025, Pope Francis died of serious pneumonia at the age of 88, which led to a probably fatal stroke. His death came one day after the Easter speech, which he kept on St. Peter's Square and in which he addressed the central themes of his pontificate, including the appreciation of life and the call to non -violence. This message touched many people, including prominent believers such as King Charles and Camilla, and should strengthen the belief in hope and peace. Class = "Source_1"> OP-Online

In his Easter address, he addressed the precious nature of life, including the unborn and the old as well as sick. As a concrete example, he cited the abortion that he called "murder". Francis warned of the challenges caused by global conflicts such as in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, the Yemen and Syria. He emphasized: "There can be no peace without real disarmament!" and encouraged the believers to hope for a better future.

Easter fair and message of the resurrection

Already on April 20, 2025, Pope Francis gave a moving sermon during the Easter mass, which was read out by Cardinal Angelo Comastri on behalf of the Pope. In this speech, he focused on the resurrection of Jesus and the reactions of Maria Magdalena and the disciples who hurried to burial. In doing so, they confirmed the central message that Jesus rose and no longer linger in the grave.

Francis asked the believers to actively search for Jesus in everyday life and not only consider it as a historical figure. The message called everyone to keep hope for the resurrection and to rediscover the joy of life.

The challenges of the papacy

The time after Francis, the Catholic Church poses special challenges. Church historian Jörg Ernesti, who has researched the popes since 1800, warns that the expectations of popes will no longer become less in the future. The role of the Pope has changed significantly since the dramatic events such as the French Revolution, and today a Pope with charisma and political weight is taken for granted. Class = "Source_3"> Katholisch.de

Ernesti emphasizes that the strong position of the Papalism could make ecumenical conversations difficult and sees a future in which synodality and strengthening the local churches will play significant roles. The death of Pope Francis therefore opens the discussion about the future orientation of the Catholic Church in a changing world.