Weak after experiencing prolonged illness and lengthy hospitalizations Pope Francis chose to be wheeled out to the central balcony overlooking the Easter Sunday crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square to offer what would be his final blessing before his death.

Following the blessing Archbishop Diego Ravelli read the Pope’s entire Easter message, part of which was a calling for all people regardless of one’s religious practice or being an agnostic or atheist. “…On this day I would like all of us to hope anew and to revise our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas…”

And to support his legacy of love, tolerance and inclusion for one another 40 people, each holding a white rose, were chosen as honorary pall bearers to represent the marginalized populations he embraced; prisoners, migrants, LGBTQ and the homeless.

Let’s REMEMBER this Pope. Let’s REMEMBER his message.

-Harriet