According to the Vatican, Pope Francis thanked his personal nurse for encouraging him to greet the crowds in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. The Vatican reported these among his final words.
The Argentine pontiff, aged 88, died on Monday morning following a stroke, less than a month after returning home from a five-week hospital stay to treat double pneumonia.
"Thank you for bringing me back to the square," Francis reportedly told his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, after what would be his final ride in the popemobile, according to Vatican News, the Holy See’s media outlet.
The pope appeared visibly exhausted during Easter celebrations but still greeted the faithful and toured St. Peter’s Square, cheered on by thousands of worshippers.
"Do you think I can manage it?" he asked Strappetti before stepping out. The nurse, in whom he placed great trust, reassured him.
Francis then spent around 15 minutes waving to the crowd and blessing infants from his popemobile, flanked by bodyguards.
That afternoon, he returned to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, where he rested and shared a peaceful dinner, according to Vatican News.
On Monday morning, around 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT), “the first signs of illness appeared,” the report said.
Just over an hour later, he reportedly waved to Strappetti from his bed in what the outlet described as “a gesture of farewell,” before falling into a coma.
Francis was declared dead at 7:35 a.m.
"He did not suffer. It all happened quickly," Vatican News said, quoting those who were with the pontiff in his final moments.
"It was a discreet death, almost sudden, without prolonged suffering or public alarm—for a pope who had always been very reserved about his health."
Francis had previously credited Strappetti with saving his life by persuading him to undergo intestinal surgery during a serious inflammation.
His funeral will be held on Saturday.
With AFP
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