In his last public appearance, Pope Francis’ final words to his nurse captured a moment of humility, gratitude, and spiritual significanc.
Pope Francis’ Final Popemobile Ride Was Encouraged by His Personal Nurse
On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis appeared frail but determined. He asked his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?”
The nurse, a longtime Vatican medical professional, encouraged him to take the ride. Pope Francis then spent fifteen minutes greeting worshippers.
His presence in St. Peter’s Square brought cheers from thousands. He waved, blessed infants, and smiled from the popemobile despite his obvious fatigue.
Later, he thanked Strappetti with touching final words: “Thank you for bringing me back to the square,” Vatican officials confirmed on Monday.
Pope Francis passed away peacefully following his last public appearance
Just a day later, signs of illness emerged early Monday morning around 5:30 a.m. Pope Francis waved from bed—his final farewell gesture.
He fell into a coma soon after, and at 7:35 a.m., he passed away peacefully. Vatican sources said there was no suffering involved.
‘He did not suffer. It all happened quickly,’ Vatican News said, quoting people who were with the pontiff in his final moments.
‘It was a discreet death, almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm, for a pope who had always been very reserved about his health.’
Friends described it as a discreet, reserved end—true to the pontiff’s private nature.
The Pope had previously reflected on death with peace and faith
In a recent essay, Francis wrote that we should not fear aging. He called it a graceful, meaningful transition toward eternal life and peace.
“Death is a new beginning,” he penned in January.
Additionally, he believed eternal life begins through love, purpose, and serving others on Earth.
His reflections on aging were published in Cardinal Angelo Scola’s new book. Francis urged readers to embrace aging with dignity, not regret.
Pope Francis credited his nurse with saving his life more than once
Strappetti, the nurse at his side, once convinced Francis to undergo emergency intestinal surgery—ultimately saving his life during a medical crisis.
“A nurse saved my life,” Pope Francis had said afterward. “He explained everything clearly when others were unsure. I trusted his experience.”
After the operation, Pope Francis said: ‘A nurse, a man with a lot of experience, saved my life.
‘He told me: “You have to have surgery”.
‘There were other opinions: “Better with antibiotics…” but the nurse explained it to me very well.
‘He is a nurse from here, from our health service, from the Vatican hospital.
‘He has been here for thirty years, a very experienced man.
‘It is the second time in my life that a nurse has saved my life.
This wasn’t the first time a nurse helped the Pope survive. In 1957, one doubled his medication after lung surgery, saving him again.
Strappetti served by the Pope’s side throughout his most recent hospitalization. His decisive care during a critical bronchospasm proved essential for the Pope’s survival.
Behind the scenes: The deep trust between Pope Francis and his Nurse
Strappetti’s role extended beyond healthcare. He was also a confidant and advisor, especially when the Pope battled chronic pain and respiratory distress.
Before his final appearance, the two reviewed the planned route inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Every movement was carefully assessed for the Pope’s safety.
Francis trusted Strappetti completely, even delegating all final medical decisions to him. “Try everything, don’t give up,” the nurse reportedly told doctors.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri confirmed that the Pope entrusted his care entirely to Strappetti. “His wishes were carried out exactly as he wanted,” he said.
Pope Francis’ funeral set for saturday as vatican begins farewell rites
The Pope’s body will lie in state for three days inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Mourners from around the world are expected to arrive.
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. Over 300,000 people may gather to honor him.
The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. The Vatican’s solemn farewell is now underway.
The Congregation of Cardinals has convened to plan the next steps. A conclave will soon begin to choose the next pope.
The world now remembers Pope Francis’ final words to his nurse as a symbol of his faith, humility, and gratitude until the very end.
His last ride in the popemobile wasn’t just ceremonial. It was a personal moment of love and farewell to the people he served.
Pope Francis lived a life of compassion, and he died as he lived—calm, prayerful, and surrounded by those who cared deeply for him.