Pope Francis Passes Away at 88, Leaves Final Thoughts on Technology and Human Relationships

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, departed this life on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Renowned for his progressive approach within the typically conservative institution, he advocated for causes like social and economic justice throughout his papacy.

In the closing weeks of his life, Pope Francis shared a heartfelt message concerning the influence of technology in today’s world. A video statement released just three weeks prior to his death emphasized the importance of prioritizing authentic human connections over time spent on screens.

“How I wish we could look less at screens and have more eye contact with one another!” he expressed in the video, originally in Spanish. “It’s concerning if we dedicate more time to our mobile devices than to fellow humans.”

This message was part of his Monthly Prayer Intentions for 2025, a tradition where the Pope encouraged individuals globally to join him in prayer on a specific theme each month. April’s intention—his last one—centered on the ethical application of emerging technologies. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network conveyed reflections on this topic, raising alarms regarding artificial intelligence, video conferencing, smartphones, and screen usage.

“Technology is the result of the intelligence God endowed us with, but it must be utilized wisely,” Pope Francis stated in his April address. “It should benefit everyone, not just a select few.”

He stressed that technology should unite individuals, not divide them. He advocated for its use in assisting the impoverished, the ill, and those with disabilities. In line with his long-held commitment to environmental stewardship, he also urged the use of technology to nurture “our shared home” and to enhance authentic human connections.

In the wake of his death, social media platforms were inundated with responses—many inadvertently reflecting the Pope’s worries. Memes and humorous posts circulated swiftly, some referencing the 2024 film Conclave, which portrays the secretive process of selecting a new pope. Others remarked on U.S. Vice President JD Vance having met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, merely a day before his passing.

“The screen leads us to forget that there are real individuals behind it who breathe, laugh, and weep,” warned Pope Francis in his April message.

He concluded with a sincere prayer: “Let us pray that the utilization of new technologies will not supplant human relationships, will uphold the dignity of each person, and will assist us in tackling the crises of our era.”

Even in his final moments, Pope Francis continued to emphasize the importance of nurturing compassion, connection, and justice in a swiftly changing world.