Vatican reveals what Pope Francis said before his death
By Chris Nesi
Some of Pope Francis’ last words were a heartfelt expression of thanks to his personal health care assistant, the Vatican revealed Tuesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who died Monday from a stroke and subsequent heart failure, grew emotional while expressing his gratitude to Massimiliano Strappetti, a nurse and his caregiver, for encouraging him to take one final ride in the popemobile on Easter shortly before his death.
Pope Francis appearing on a balcony at St. Peter’s Square to deliver the Urbi Et Orbi Blessing for Easter on April 20, 2025.
Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
Pope Francis delivering the 'Urbi et Orbi' message from a balcony at St. Peter's Square, Vatican, on Easter Sunday 2025 with a gold staff in hand, his last public appearance.
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Francis’ final public appearance was just a day before he passed away.
REUTERS
“Do you think I can manage it?” the ailing pope asked Strappetti soon after his discharge from Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The pope wanted to surprise the more than 50,000 faithful who were gathered for his Easter Sunday “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which he gave from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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He was fearful that his failing health wouldn’t allow it.
His aide apparently encouraged him to take the ride in St. Peter’s Square — during which he felt a warm welcome from the massive crowd — and Francis told Strappetti, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”
Francis riding the popemobile through St. Peter's square on Easter.
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Francis riding the popemobile through St. Peter’s square on Easter.
Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images
Francis greeting a child in St. Peter's Square.
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Francis greeting a child in St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican Media
It would be the final time his adoring followers would see him alive.
Francis had a quiet dinner after resting Sunday afternoon, then quickly grew ill when he awoke around 5:30 a.m. Monday, prompting a rapid response from his medical team.
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Francis with his caregiver Massimiliano Strappetti in St. Peter's Square on April 13, 2025.
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Francis with his caregiver Massimiliano Strappetti in St. Peter’s Square on April 13, 2025.
Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images
Here's how Pope Francis' successor will be chosen:
The College of Cardinals will convene at the Vatican in the next several weeks to elect the new pope.
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The College of Cardinals will convene at the Vatican in the next several weeks to elect the new pope.
Mike Guillen/NY Post Design
Graphic shows the smoke inside the Sistine Chapel as well as a map of the area around St. Peter's Basilica.
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White smoke will be sent from the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling to announce that a new pope has been elected.
Mike Guillen/NY Post Design
About an hour later, the pope fell into a coma after making a final “gesture of farewell” with his hand to Strappetti, the Vatican reported, noting that he succumbed soon afterward and did not suffer.
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