Pope Francis’ Final Video Before Death: ‘This Was Goodbye’

Following Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, mourners are remembering the pontiff’s last public appearance just a day earlier.

“This was goodbye,” the news outlet Catholic Arena wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a video filmed from inside the popemobile showing the pope as he drove through cheering crowds on Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis had appeared in a wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica for an Easter blessing before riding through St. Peter’s Square.

This was his first major public appearance after a five-week hospital stay for pneumonia.

The Vatican announced on Monday that Pope Francis, the Argentine pontiff who assumed the papacy in 2013, had died at the age of 88.

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, a poignant video from Easter Sunday is being remembered as the pontiff’s final farewell. Captured just 24 hours before his passing on Easter Monday, the footage shows the 88-year-old pope waving to crowds from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square. The moment has since taken on profound meaning for many of the faithful and observers across the globe.

“This was goodbye,” wrote Catholic Arena on X (formerly Twitter), as the video spread widely across social media. In it, the pope appears alert but visibly frail, acknowledging the faithful in what would become his last public appearance.

Why It Matters

The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a transformative papacy defined by reform, outreach, and controversy. His final appearance—made after a prolonged illness and hospitalization—has become a symbol of his resilience and dedication to pastoral duties even in declining health.

Francis had only recently returned to public life after a five-week stay at Gemelli Hospital, where he was treated for pneumonia. Appearing in a wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he delivered a traditional Easter blessing before taking part in a ceremonial drive through the square.

What To Know

Pope Francis’ health had been a source of concern for several years. In addition to chronic knee problems and past surgeries, he had suffered from serious respiratory issues that limited his mobility and public engagements. His final hospitalization in February 2025 followed a period of visible decline and required high-flow oxygen support and antibiotics to treat a multi-pathogen infection in his lungs.

Nonetheless, he remained determined to fulfill his Easter commitments—a decision now viewed as one final act of spiritual leadership in the face of mortality.

The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, sparking tributes from religious leaders, world governments, and ordinary citizens. The cause of death is believed to be a stroke, according to doctors at Gemelli Hospital.

What People Are Saying

Cardinal Farrell, who announced Pope Francis’ death at the Vatican: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

“At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

“He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

What’s Next

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly by the Vatican, and world leaders—including heads of state and religious figures—are likely to attend the service in Rome. The College of Cardinals will soon begin the process of convening a conclave to elect a new pope.

As tributes continue to pour in, Pope Francis’ final appearance is already being etched into collective memory—one last act of connection between a shepherd and his global flock.