Pope Francis's last public appearance was for an Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican's St Peter's Square. It had been unknown at the time if the pontiff would join the service following his discharge from hospital last month,

Incidentally, Pope Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, a surprise and unexpected greeting to the estimated crowd of more than 35,000 people. He rode through the piazza in his popemobile. It was his first appearance in front of a large crowd since before his illness.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic church, has died at age 88 hours after a surprise appearance during Easter Sunday service. NBC’s Anne Thompson reports for TODAY on his papacy, which began when he was elected in March 2013.