Some of Pope Francis’ last words were a heartfelt expression of thanks to his personal health care assistant, the Vatican revealed Tuesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who died Monday from a stroke and subsequent heart failure, grew emotional while expressing his gratitude to Massimiliano Strappetti, a nurse and his caregiver, for encouraging him to take one final ride in the popemobile on Easter shortly before his death.
Pope Francis appearing on a balcony at St. Peter’s Square to deliver the Urbi Et Orbi Blessing for Easter on April 20, 2025. Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
Francis’ final public appearance was just a day before he passed away. REUTERS“Do you think I can manage it?” the ailing pope asked Strappetti soon after his discharge from Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The pope wanted to surprise the more than 50,000 faithful who were gathered for his Easter Sunday “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which he gave from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
He was fearful that his failing health wouldn’t allow it.
Francis riding the popemobile through St. Peter’s square on Easter. Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images
Francis greeting a child in St. Peter’s Square. Vatican MediaHis aide apparently encouraged him to take the ride in St. Peter’s Square — during which he felt a warm welcome from the massive crowd — and Francis told Strappetti, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”
Here's how Pope Francis' successor will be chosen:
It would be the final time his adoring followers would see him alive.
Francis had a quiet dinner after resting Sunday afternoon, then quickly grew ill when he awoke around 5:30 a.m. Monday, prompting a rapid response from his medical team.
Francis with his caregiver Massimiliano Strappetti in St. Peter’s Square on April 13, 2025. Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty ImagesAbout an hour later, the pope fell into a coma after making a final “gesture of farewell” with his hand to Strappetti, the Vatican reported, noting that he succumbed soon afterward and did not suffer.
