Pope Francis’ final phrases earlier than his loss of life on Monday had been an expression of because of his private nurse and caregiver, Massimiliano Strappetti, the Vatican revealed Tuesday whereas describing the 88-year-old pontiff’s closing hours.
Francis hesitated to shock a throng of fifty,000 trustworthy who amassed in St. Peter’s Sq. with a journey within the popemobile following his Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican News reported, with the pontiff asking Strappetti, “Do you assume I can handle it?”
As soon as Francis was reassured, he took his tour of the sq., stopping to embrace individuals, particularly kids, on his route.
Amongst Francis’ final phrases was a heartfelt message to Strappetti.
POPE FRANCIS DEAD AT 88, VATICAN SAYS

Pope Francis seems within the central lodge of St. Peter’s Basilica for the final time earlier than his loss of life to bestow the Urbi et Orbi in St. Peter’s Sq. on the Vatican on Sunday, April 20, 2025. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)
“Thanks for bringing me again to the Sq.,” Francis, broadly referred to as “the Folks’s Pope,” advised his private well being care assistant, Vatican Information reported.
Francis rested the remainder of Sunday afternoon and had a quiet dinner, in line with the official Vatican information company.

Pope Francis excursions the gang on the finish of the Easter mass in St. Peter’s Sq. on the Vatican on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photograph/Gregorio Borgia)
Francis confirmed the first signs of illness round 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday and fell right into a coma an hour later, in line with Vatican Information. Earlier than falling into the coma, Francis made “a gesture of farewell along with his hand” to Strappetti.
POPE FRANCIS’ OFFICIAL CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED IN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM VATICAN
Francis died after going right into a coma and struggling a coronary heart assault.
These at his aspect throughout his closing moments mentioned Francis didn’t endure, and his loss of life occurred rapidly, Vatican Information reported.
The Pope’s loss of life follows years of ongoing well being issues, together with a latest hospitalization for double pneumonia.
The Vatican released images of Francis mendacity in state on the Vatican on Tuesday. The Pope was pictured mendacity in a picket casket sporting purple vestments and his bishop’s miter.
Francis’ funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Sq., and a viewing of his physique will start on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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