We previously reported that Pope Francis died from a stroke and heart failure on Monday morning at the age of 88. Now, Francis’ final words have been revealed. New details about the last hours of his life have also come to light.
Francis’ Final Words
The Vatican has revealed that Francis’ final words were an expression of thanks for his personal nurse and caregiver Massimiliano Strappetti.
The day before his death, Francis celebrated Easter by appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to surprise 50,000 faithful who amassed in St. Peter’s Square. Following his Easter blessing, however, the Pope hesitated to take a ride through the crowd in the popemobile.
“Do you think I can manage it?” Francis reportedly asked Strappetti.
Once Strappetti reassured him that he could do it, Francis got in the popemobile and made his way around the square. The Pope took the time to embrace many people, particularly children, as he took this tour.
Afterwards, the Pope was glad that Strappetti had convinced him to do this.
“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” Francis told Strappetti in gratitude afterwards.
These were likely some of the Pope’s final words. He spent the rest of the afternoon napping before enjoying a quiet dinner in solitude. Francis then retired for the night.
Related: Tragic New Details Emerge About Death Of Pope Francis After He Passes Away At 88
Francis’ Death
When Francis awoke the next morning, he immediately began showing signs of illness at around 5:30am. An hour later, Francis fell into a coma. Just before he lost consciousness, Francis made “a gesture of farewell with his hand” to Strappetti, his loyal caregiver.
Francis suffered a heart attack after he went into the coma and died minutes later. Those who were at his side at the time of his death have said that the Pope did not suffer in his final moments. Indeed, his death was mercifully fast. Church officials told CBS News that it was “a discreet death, almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm.”
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the Pope’s death to the world at 9:45am.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Farrell continued. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Related: Whoopi Goldberg Offers Pope Francis A Role In ‘Sister Act 3’
Francis’ Upcoming Funeral
Pope Francis is currently lying in state at the Vatican. His funeral has been scheduled for 10am on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. A viewing of Francis’ body will begin tomorrow in St. Peter’s Basilica.
At the time of his death, Francis had been the Pope for twelve years. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
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