The final words of Pope Francis have been revealed, and they were words of gratitude.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis his thanked his personal health care assistant Massimiliano Strappetti for encouraging him to make one last public appearance in the popemobile on Sunday.
“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” Pope Francis reportedly told Strappetti before resting that afternoon, and dying at dawn the next morning.
“This expression of gratitude was among Pope Francis’s last words to the person who watched over him tirelessly throughout his illness, as well as before,” the Vatican wrote, adding that Strappetti, who had been appointed the Pope’s personal physician in 2022, had been credited by the Pope for saving his life when he suggested he receive colon surgery.
The Vatican further noted that Strappetti had stayed with the Pope during his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, before staying full time during his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta. Strappetti reportedly was also with the Pope during the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday.
“The late Pope wanted to offer one last, meaningful surprise to the 50,000 faithful with a ride in the popemobile on Sunday after the blessing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica façade,” the Vatican wrote, adding he had asked Strappetti if he thought he would be able to manage it.
The Pope embraced the crowd that had gathered in St. Peter’s Square, which was his first ride since being discharged. After a rest and quiet dinner, the Pope retired before suddenly becoming ill at dawn around 5:30 a.m. local time and before falling into a coma an hour later and peacefully passing.
“These heartfelt words reveal the deep desire of the Argentine Pope to be among the people of God, enjoying the human connection he made a hallmark of his papacy,” the Vatican wrote.
The Pope did not suffer, according to those who were there in his last moments, with the Vatican saying “it all happened quickly.”
