Rome: The Vatican has revealed the final words of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The 88-year-old spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church had reportedly said that he was both “tired” and at the same time “content”, and thanked his longtime aide Massimiliano Strappetti.
Among his final words in the day before his death were, “thank you”, according to the Vatican.
“Around an hour later, after making a gesture of farewell with his hand to his longtime health aide, Massimiliano Strappetti, lying in bed in his second-floor apartment at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope fell into a coma,” the Vatican said.
“According to those who were with him in his final moments, he did not suffer. It all happened quickly,” the church’s statement continued, describing Francis’ death as “discreet … almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm”.
The Pope’s health deteriorated quickly on Monday morning, according to the church, with “the first signs of the sudden illness” appearing about 5:30 a.m. local time.
During the Pontiff’s final hours, he had hesitated to surprise a throng of 50,000 faithful who amassed in St. Peter’s Square with a ride in the popemobile following his Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican News reported. The pontiff had asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?”
Once Francis was reassured, he took his tour of the square, stopping to embrace people, especially children, on his route.
Strappetti was with the Pope on Easter Sunday when Francis blessed the throngs at St. Peter’s Square. Strappetti told Vatican News that Francis’ final words included “thank you for bringing me back to the square” for encouraging Francis to take the ride in the popemobile after the Easter service.
UNI
