The Vatican, from where the Catholic world bids farewell to Pope Francis, revealed the final words of the Supreme Pontiff, who before passing thanked his personal health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to go out once more to meet the people from St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
The Holy See stated that the final hours of life were marked by serenity, gratitude, and a last gesture of closeness to the Catholics, as reported by the newspaper Vaticans News.
"Thank you for bringing me back to the Plaza," Francisco said to Strappetti, who had been by his side for years, including the recent period of hospitalization at the Policlínico Gemelli and his recovery at Casa Santa Marta.
The media highlights that these words, filled with symbolism, reflect the essence of a papacy defined by closeness to the people, human connection, and the desire for a “mission-oriented” Church, as Francis himself preached many times.
On Saturday, the Pope and his team reviewed the route from St. Peter's Basilica to the Loggia of the Blessings.
Already on the balcony, before a crowd of more than 50,000 people, Francisco—encouraged by Strappetti—took his final ride in the papamobile, following the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Easter Sunday. It was his first outing after leaving the hospital and the last of his life.
"Do you think I'll be able to do it?" he asked doubtfully of his nurse. Strappetti encouraged him.
It was then that the Pope embraced his people once again, especially the children, in a spontaneous, tender, and profoundly human gesture, the newspaper reports.
It is reported that after that day, Francisco rested in the afternoon and had a peaceful dinner. However, at dawn on Monday, around 5:30 in the morning, he began to show signs of discomfort.
Despite the prompt intervention of the medical team, he fell into a coma an hour later and passed away in his room on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, without pain, surrounded by his closest collaborators.
According to Vatican sources, it was a discreet, peaceful, and painless death, in keeping with the simple style with which the Argentine Pontiff lived his papacy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Last Hours of Pope Francis
What were Pope Francis' last words?
The last words of Pope Francis were a thank you to his personal health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to go out once more to meet the people from St. Peter's Square during his final ride in the papamobile.
What were the last hours of Pope Francis like?
The last hours of Pope Francis were marked by serenity and gratitude. He passed away in his room at the Casa Santa Marta, surrounded by his closest collaborators, after showing symptoms of discomfort at dawn.
What message did Pope Francis convey during his latest public appearance?
In his latest public appearance, Pope Francis participated in the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He conveyed a message of closeness and love for the faithful, especially while embracing children during his journey in the popemobile.
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