In a somber farewell from the Vatican, where the global Catholic community grieves the loss of Pope Francis, his final words were shared. In his last moments, the Pope expressed gratitude to his personal health aide, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to greet the public once more from St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
The Holy See reported that his final hours were characterized by peace, thankfulness, and a poignant gesture of connection with Catholics worldwide, as noted by Vatican News. "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square," Francis said to Strappetti, who had been by his side for many years, including during his recent hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic and his recovery at Casa Santa Marta.
The publication emphasizes that these words, laden with meaning, encapsulate a papacy marked by closeness to the masses, human touch, and a vision for an "outgoing" Church, as Pope Francis frequently advocated. On Saturday, the Pope and his team retraced the path from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Blessings Loggia.
Standing on the balcony before a crowd exceeding 50,000, Francis, buoyed by Strappetti, embarked on his final journey in the popemobile following the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Easter Sunday. This marked his first outing since leaving the hospital and his last public appearance.
"Do you think I can manage it?" he asked his nurse hesitantly. Strappetti offered him encouragement. It was then that the Pope once again embraced his flock, especially the children, with a spontaneous, tender, and deeply human gesture, as the newspaper described.
After that memorable day, Francis rested during the afternoon and had a peaceful dinner. However, at around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, he began to show signs of distress. Despite prompt medical intervention, he slipped into a coma an hour later and passed away in his room on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, without pain and surrounded by his closest aides.
According to Vatican sources, his passing was quiet, serene, and without suffering, in keeping with the modest style that defined the Argentine Pontiff’s tenure.
Pope Francis's Final Moments and Legacy
What were the last words of Pope Francis?
Pope Francis's last words were a thank you to Massimiliano Strappetti for bringing him back to St. Peter's Square.
How did Pope Francis spend his last day?
On his last day, Pope Francis participated in a final journey in the popemobile, rested in the afternoon, and had a peaceful dinner before experiencing distress early the next morning.
Who was Massimiliano Strappetti?
Massimiliano Strappetti was Pope Francis's personal health aide, who supported him during his final days and was a close companion during his hospital stays.