On April 21, the world comes together in prayer to mark the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ definitive encounter with the Father. Exactly one year ago, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell announced, from Casa Santa Marta, the passing of the Bishop of Rome at 7:35 a.m., following complications from bilateral pneumonia.
Until his final moments, Francis bore witness to the pastoral zeal that defined his 12-year pontificate. His last public appearance, on Easter Sunday 2025, was marked by a gesture typical of his closeness: a smile, a wish of “Happy Easter,” and one final ride in the popemobile among the faithful in St. Peter’s Square.
A final appeal for peace
Even with his health failing, the Pontiff did not step back from his diplomatic duties in service of the common good. His final official engagement was a meeting with U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, where, once again, Francis reiterated his tireless call for world peace—one of the defining priorities of his papacy.
Tributes in Rome and Buenos Aires
The “Pope of the Poor” chose to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, departing from the tradition of burial in the crypts of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is there that a Mass will be celebrated today in his memory, preceded by the recitation of the Rosary and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in his honor.
In Argentina, his homeland, the legacy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio remains vibrant. In Buenos Aires, the event “Francisco vive en el encuentro” (“Francis lives in the encounter”) brought together a large crowd of young people and faithful. The gathering highlighted how his encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, continue to inspire Christian commitment to those most in need and to the care of our “common home.”
