People Noticed Warning Signs in One of Pope Francis' Last Videos Before His Death

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, after an intense period marked by reforms, internal challenges within the Vatican, and a prolonged pulmonary illness.

The death of the Bishop of Rome was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Vatican, at 9:52 in the morning, with a solemn message stating that at 7:35 that morning, Pope Francis was now with God.

A day before his death, Pope Francis appeared in public for the last time in St. Peter's Square during the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing. It was a brief moment, marked by the pontiff's visible fragility, and many realized he was not well, with people online quickly expressing their comments.

A Landmark Pontificate

Francis, the first Jesuit Pope and the first from Latin America, led the Catholic Church for 12 years since his election in 2013. Elected after Benedict XVI's resignation, he took on the task of reforming the Vatican, addressing both its internal organization and its social stance.

With a critical view of capitalism and a focus on the marginalized, Francis attempted to open new doors in the Church. However, he faced deep divisions within the clergy, especially from conservative sectors, who considered him a populist pontiff.

He also pioneered the blessing of same-sex couples and promoted greater female participation in Curia roles, though he did not pursue ordination for women. His legacy encompasses four encyclicals—notably "Laudato si" (2015) and "Nos amó" (2024)—along with his consistent focus on the world's "peripheries."

Alarms Raised

As reported by El País, his last recorded public appearance showed him struggling to speak, managing only to wish his followers a "Happy Easter."

That same day, he also had a brief meeting with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, who shared the experience on his social media. "Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health," he wrote on X.

This moment, shared across social media, sparked global discussion. The Pope's gestures, his obviously declining health, and his restricted movement alarmed thousands, who saw a grim foreshadowing in that final message.

Many people online interpreted the images as a farewell message. For example, some followers lamented his condition and expressed their sorrow. "Poor Pope," one wrote. Others left comments expressing their concern about the Bishop of Rome's appearance. "The Pope doesn't look good," someone on X opined.

Meanwhile, some commented on the video after his physical passing, highlighting the impact of the news shortly after it was recorded while he addressed the public. "Gotta be weird meeting a guy the day before he dies," another person online wrote.

Meanwhile, the Vatican announced that the Pope's body would lie in state in St. Peter's Square starting Wednesday for mourners to pay their final respects, with the funeral to follow in the coming days. Afterward, the conclave will be convened to elect his successor during the first week of May.

Thus, Pope Francis's last video not only remained as a record of his last Easter in life but also as a testament to a silent farewell that many, from their homes and screens, knew how to interpret in real-time.

It's worth remembering that recently, after the Bishop of Rome's weeks-long hospitalization, the Vatican shared the first photo following his release.

The Vatican Publishes the First Photo of Pope Francis Since His Hospitalization

After being hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed that the pontiff suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure.

Since that time, several more scares led to talks of emergency provisions and even preparations for a possible funeral. However, at that point, he appeared to be better, although not out of danger, and the Vatican presented a new image of the Catholic leader.

Here's a look at the chronology of the pontiff's recent health condition and the provisions he left for health emergencies and incapacity due to his advanced age.

Early March: Respiratory Complications

On March 3, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis suffered two episodes of respiratory failure caused by a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus" that obstructed his airways.

To treat this complication, doctors performed two bronchoscopies that removed the secretions and prevented further deterioration in his breathing. Despite the intervention, his condition remained "complex."

The treatment involved non-invasive mechanical ventilation, a way to deliver oxygen through a mask with regulated pressure. Following that, he received high-flow oxygen through a nasal tube to help him breathe more easily.

Health Status and Medical Measures

Hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Francis received intensive therapy to control bilateral pneumonia. According to specialists, the accumulation of mucus in the lungs is a very complex condition, as it can cause persistent cough and bronchial spasms.

To help him rest better, the Vatican confirmed he would continue with non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night until the morning of Wednesday, March 5. Although his condition hadn't gotten worse, his outlook remained uncertain.

Cardinal Robert Prevost led a rosary in St. Peter's Square on that Monday night. Hundreds of followers gathered to pray for the pontiff's health at that difficult time.

On March 5, the Vatican Press Office reported that the Pope "rested well during the night and woke up shortly after 8:00 a.m. (Vatican time)." His cardiac, renal, and blood values remained stable at that time, although he continued to receive oxygen treatment.

Given his delicate state of health, it was determined that Pope Francis would not participate in the liturgical celebrations of Lent. A cardinal was appointed to lead the ceremonies in his name.

Evolution of His Health Condition

Later on, doctors indicated that Pope Francis remained stable and had not presented new episodes of respiratory failure since March 4. It was also indicated that he would receive non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen during the day. In addition, he continued respiratory and motor physiotherapy treatment.

Given his stable condition at the time, the Vatican announced that it would not issue another medical report until March 8, although the prognosis remained guarded.

His Followers Express Their Support on Social Media

On March 6, Pope Francis issued a message thanking his supporters for their prayers regarding his health. This generated a wave of reactions on social media.

"Dear Pope Francis, we continue to keep you in all our prayers. May our Lord give you strength," one person commented. "God bless him and continue to recover Papa Francisco, we pray for you as you did for us. We are grateful to you," someone else wrote.

"Bless him, he sounds tired. May God heal and strengthen him," was another comment. "Amen. God is with you and will heal you. May the Blessed Virgin Mary always be with you," said another person.

"Blessed one, he sounds tired. May God heal and strengthen him," expressed someone else. "Quick recovery. He sounds tired. May God grant him healing and may the Holy Virgin cover him with her mantle of love," commented another.

In St. Peter's Square, the Pope's message was received with joy and hope, strengthening the faith of those who have closely followed his recovery.

While the Supreme Pontiff's health remained stable, public attention was diverted to a document he signed in 2013.

Pope Francis's Letter

Following Pope Francis's state of health, attention focused on an important document he signed more than a decade ago: his letter of resignation. The letter was intended to be enacted in case of incapacity, a measure with few precedents in modern papal history.

Although his hospitalization and fragile state ignited speculation about whether this letter could soon take effect, reports indicated that the Pope accepted that "the end of his earthly life is very close," making a formal resignation seem unnecessary.

Back then, it was reported that cardinals would prepare for what could be a historic transition in the event of Pope Francis' passing. "Around the world, about 200 cardinals would be preparing to fly to Rome," Australian Chief Leader Writer Tess Livingstone explained.

"I'm quite sure that would be the case. Quite a few – probably about 50 – live in Rome as it is," she added. A conclave would then be convened, the assembly of cardinals meeting behind closed doors, and tasked with electing a new Pope.

Among them, 138 cardinals under the age of 80 would be eligible to vote, while cardinals over 80 would participate in the pre-conclave discussions. "That promises to be extremely lively this time around," Livingstone noted.

Given the Pope's record of selecting cardinals from diverse backgrounds largely unfamiliar with each other, some speculate that the next conclave may be particularly unpredictable.

Despite his deteriorating health, the 88-year-old pontiff continued to work from the hospital, reportedly making governance decisions and approving new appointments.

He had also met with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the head of the Vatican's cabinet to discuss the canonization of five new saints.

Furthermore, Pope Francis convened a consistory (a formal meeting of all cardinals) to determine when these saints would be officially recognized.

However, some members of the Church, including priests in Rome, speculated that the consistory may have a dual purpose, possibly signaling more significant events in the Vatican.

In a 2022 interview, the Pope confirmed that he had indeed prepared for a possible situation in which he would be unable to carry out his duties. "I have already signed my resignation," he stated, revealing that he had given the document to the then Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.

When asked about the whereabouts of the letter, the Pope speculated that Bertone might have passed it on to his successor, Cardinal Parolin.

He is not the first Pope to take this precautionary measure. "Paul VI also left his resignation in writing in case of permanent impediment," Pope Francis was told during the same interview.

"That's right, and Pius XII I think did the same," he replied. However, unlike Pope Benedict XVI, who became the first Pope in nearly 600 years to voluntarily resign, Pope Francis had never openly expressed an imminent intention to step down.

Apparently, during those difficult days, the Pope was concerned with ensuring his legacy and finalizing key decisions. Sources close to the Vatican suggested that he was rushing to complete pending matters, particularly regarding the leadership and reforms of the Church.

According to two people familiar with the situation, the Pope was in severe pain and had privately expressed his certainty that he would not recover this time.

In response, he moved to secure the future direction of the Church by appointing key figures to influential positions, continuing his progressive agenda amidst ongoing ideological divisions within the Vatican.

A New Photo

In mid-March, the Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis since his hospitalization, showing the 88-year-old pontiff sitting in the private chapel of his apartment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The photograph, taken from behind, generated both relief and concern, as it confirmed that the Holy Father was still undergoing treatment but also highlighted his physical fragility.

On Instagram, the image is accompanied by the message, "Today I would like to invite you to join me in praising the Lord, who never abandons us and who in times of pain places people at our side who reflect a ray of his love. I thank you all for your prayers."

Despite his state of health, Francis continued to send words of hope. In his Sunday message, he assured that he was "going through a time of testing" and expressed his closeness to those who, like him, face health problems. He stressed that although the body may be weak, nothing prevented us from continuing to love, pray, and help others, words that moved millions of faithful around the world.

His medical report from mid-March confirmed that his condition was stable and that he was still receiving high-flow oxygen therapy, which allowed for a progressive reduction in nighttime mechanical ventilation. In addition, he continued with medical treatment and motor and respiratory physiotherapy sessions, showing gradual improvements, although his recovery still required hospitalization.

The Reaction on Social Media

Some people were surprised by the pontiff's deteriorated appearance. "He doesn't look like Pope Francis," one person commented on Instagram. "Who is this gentleman or what is he for?" someone else said on Facebook, also not recognizing him. "It doesn't look like him," another added.

Others pointed out the disturbing resemblance of the photo to the last image of John Paul II from 2005, which also shows him from behind on Good Friday of 2005. "Do you remember the image of John Paul II from behind?" a person on Facebook expressed. Similarly, another said, "This story has already been told (March-April 2005)."

People have speculated that what occurred with Pope Francis echoes the Vatican's past alleged practice of concealing how serious the health of sick popes really was. "This is how they showed a photo of John Paul II and he was already dead. Is history repeating itself?" another person wrote.

Media outlets recalled that Pope John Paul II had noticeable tremors for years before the Vatican acknowledged his Parkinson's disease and that John XXIII had cancer that wasn't disclosed until after he died.

Therefore, the speculation continued. "The Pope has already passed away and they are hiding the truth. It would be so easy to make a REAL video and prove he is alive, why don't they do it?" someone wrote.

Some others said that the person in the photo looked like an impostor. "That's not the Pope, not at all," one person added. Someone else wrote, "That's not Jorge Bergoglio."

"Do they think we're blind? That's not the Pope," another said. Meanwhile, other people simply chose to comment, "wishing him a speedy recovery."

Faced with this, however, the Vatican chose to release updated reports on the pontiff's delicate health, while the Pope himself continued his duties, even approving a schedule of meetings for a Vatican assembly in 2028 from the hospital.

This act demonstrated that, in spite of the health problems that would eventually lead to his passing, Francis's commitment to the Church and his followers was unwavering until the very end.