As the world grieves, intimate details have emerged of Pope Francis’ final hours, revealing a poignant farewell and deeply personal final words.
In the quiet of his last moments, Pope Francis gently raised his hand from his bedside, offering a silent yet profound farewell gesture to Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who had unwaveringly supported him throughout his illness.
Moments earlier, Pope Francis had softly spoken his final known words: “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” These heartfelt words were directed toward Strappetti, who had become far more than just his caregiver. It was Strappetti who once recommended a life-saving colon surgery for the Pope, earning deep trust and gratitude from the pontiff. In 2022, Pope Francis appointed Strappetti as his personal healthcare assistant, marking him as a central figure in his final years.
Throughout the Pope’s hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and later at Casa Santa Marta, Strappetti never left his side, maintaining a vigilant, compassionate presence. On Easter Sunday, Strappetti accompanied Pope Francis during his memorable Urbi et Orbi blessing—what would become his final public appearance.
The day before the event, the two had carefully reviewed the Pope’s intended path to the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis had hoped to surprise the crowd of 50,000 gathered in the square by taking a ride in the popemobile after the blessing. Uncertain of his own strength, the pontiff sought reassurance from Strappetti, asking quietly, “Do you think I can manage it?” With encouragement, Pope Francis made that final triumphant journey, embracing the faithful and particularly engaging with children, embodying the closeness to the people that defined his papacy.
Following this meaningful interaction, visibly tired yet content, Pope Francis expressed his deep gratitude to Strappetti, repeating, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” That evening, after a quiet dinner, he retired for the night.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. the following morning, Pope Francis displayed sudden signs of illness. Despite immediate medical intervention, within an hour he slipped into a coma. Before losing consciousness, he offered his final farewell—a simple wave—to Strappetti. Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m., without suffering, a death described as discreet and dignified, in keeping with his reserved nature.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of Health and Hygiene for Vatican City State, confirmed the Pope’s death as resulting from a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. A detailed medical report from the Holy See Press Office also noted Pope Francis’ complex health history, including respiratory issues, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
In a separate poignant moment shortly before Pope Francis’ passing, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican. During their brief but significant meeting, Vance greeted the frail Pope warmly, acknowledging his health struggles, and gently concluding with a heartfelt “God bless you.” This encounter, though short, carried immense emotional weight given the circumstances that followed.
The Vice President’s visit included gifts from Pope Francis to Vance’s family—a touching gesture reflecting the pontiff’s warmth even amidst frailty. Following the Pope’s death, Vance shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their final encounter: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him… I’ll always remember him for the homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
These intimate glimpses into Pope Francis’ final days reveal a man whose warmth, humility, and compassion remained steadfast until the very end.