Inside Pope Francis' final hours including heartfelt last words and farewell gesture to nurse
The nurse who cared for Pope Francis throughout his illness has revealed
how the pontiff spent his final hours
and some of the last words he uttered before he died.
The 88-year-old died on Monday morning at the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived at the Vatican after
suffering a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure
. His death came almost a month after he returned to the Vatican after being hospitalized for double pneumonia.
Just hours before his death, Francis made
his final public appearance to celebrate Easter
Sunday.
He appeared frail
and delegated the celebration of the Easter Mass to a cardinal but still blessed a crowd and made a surprise ride in the square in his popemobile.
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Francis made a final journey in his popemobile just hours before his death
(Image: AP)
Massimiliano Strappetti, the pope's personal healthcare assistant, revealed to
Vatican News
that in some of his last words, Francis thanked him for encouraging him to take one last ride in the popemobile. "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square," the pope said, according to Strappetti.
The nurse, who was appointed as Francis' personal healthcare assistant in 2022, had been by the Pope's side during his 38-day hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and had watched over him during his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta.
He was also with the Pope on Easter Sunday. On Saturday, they had traveled to St Peter's Basilica together to review the "route" Francis would take.
The late Pope wished to offer a final meaningful surprise to the devoted crowd with a ride in his popemobile following the blessing on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica façade on Sunday but was unsure if he'd be capable.
Strappetti was appointed Francis' personal healthcare assistant in 2022
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Strappetti recalled he asked him: 'Do you think I can manage it?' After receiving Strappetti's encouragement, the Pope carried out his final ride and used some of his last words to thank the nurse for bringing him back to the square.
Continuing to detail the Pope's final moments, Strappetti revealed that he rested on Sunday afternoon before having a quiet dinner. At around 5.30am the first signs of his illness began to appear and those watching over him responded immediately.
Around an hour later, the Pope made a farewell gesture with his hand to Strapetti and while lying in a bed in his second-floor apartment at the Casa Santa Marta he fell into a coma.
Those surrounding him in his final moments said his death was discreet, happened quickly and that he did not suffer.
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Inside Pope Francis' final hours including heartfelt last words and farewell gesture to nurse
The nurse who cared for Pope Francis throughout his illness has revealed how the pontiff spent his final hours and some of the last words he uttered before he died. The 88-year-old died on Monday morning at the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived at the Vatican after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure . His death came almost a month after he returned to the Vatican after being hospitalized for double pneumonia. Just hours before his death, Francis made his final public appearance to celebrate Easter Sunday. He appeared frail and delegated the celebration of the Easter Mass to a cardinal but still blessed a crowd and made a surprise ride in the square in his popemobile. Read More Related Articles Donald Trump branded 'disgusting' as he honors Pope Francis in 'baffling' way Read More Related Articles JD Vance sparks outrage for disgusting act during Vatican visit critics say crosses the line Francis made a final journey in his popemobile just hours before his death (Image: AP) Massimiliano Strappetti, the pope's personal healthcare assistant, revealed to Vatican News that in some of his last words, Francis thanked him for encouraging him to take one last ride in the popemobile. "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square," the pope said, according to Strappetti. The nurse, who was appointed as Francis' personal healthcare assistant in 2022, had been by the Pope's side during his 38-day hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and had watched over him during his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta. He was also with the Pope on Easter Sunday. On Saturday, they had traveled to St Peter's Basilica together to review the "route" Francis would take. The late Pope wished to offer a final meaningful surprise to the devoted crowd with a ride in his popemobile following the blessing on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica façade on Sunday but was unsure if he'd be capable. Strappetti was appointed Francis' personal healthcare assistant in 2022 (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images) Strappetti recalled he asked him: 'Do you think I can manage it?' After receiving Strappetti's encouragement, the Pope carried out his final ride and used some of his last words to thank the nurse for bringing him back to the square. Continuing to detail the Pope's final moments, Strappetti revealed that he rested on Sunday afternoon before having a quiet dinner. At around 5.30am the first signs of his illness began to appear and those watching over him responded immediately. Around an hour later, the Pope made a farewell gesture with his hand to Strapetti and while lying in a bed in his second-floor apartment at the Casa Santa Marta he fell into a coma. Those surrounding him in his final moments said his death was discreet, happened quickly and that he did not suffer.
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