Pope Francis’ final words before his death Monday were expressions of gratitude by his personal nurse and caregiver, Masimiliano Strapetti.
Francis hesitated to surprise the 50,000 faithful crowds who had accumulated in St. Peter’s Square on a Popemovie following Easter blessings from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Vatican News reportedthe clergy asks Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage that?”
When Francis was relieved, he took a tour of the square and stopped to accept people, especially the children, on his route.
Among Francis’ last words was a heartfelt message to Strapetti.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88, according to the Vatican.
Pope Francis will appear at the central lodge of St. Peter’s Cathedral last before his death to confer Urbi ET Orbi at St. Peter Square in the Vatican on Sunday, April 20, 2025. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)
“Thank you for bringing me back to the square,” Francis, widely known as the “pope of the people,” told his personal healthcare assistant, Vatican News reported.
According to the official Vatican news agency, Francis rested the rest of the Sunday afternoon and had a quiet dinner.
Pope Francis tours the crowd at the end of Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Francis passed away on Monday, April 21st, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
According to Vatican News, Francis showed the first signs of illness at around 5:30am on Easter Monday, and fell into coma an hour later. Before he fell into a coma state, Francis made a “hand parting gesture” into Strepetti.
Pope Francis’ official death revealed in a statement from the Vatican
Francis passed away after falling into coma and suffering a heart attack.
Those by his side at his final moments were Francis suffering, and his death soon happened, Vatican news reported.
The Pope’s death follows continued health concerns, including a recent hospitalization for dual pneumonia.
The Vatican released images of Francis lying in the state in the Vatican on Tuesday. The Pope was portrayed lying in a wooden cas wearing a red arrest and a miter of his bishop.
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Francis’ funeral is set at 10am on Saturday at St. Peter Square, and viewing of his body begins on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
