Pope Francis’s last public act was a blessing to the entire world in Easter Sunday, pronounced from the Lodge of the Basilica of San Pedro – the same place where he was presented as Pope 12 years ago.
After his death, the Vatican published more details on his last hours on Tuesday.
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“Grazie”, or “thanks”, was one of the last words of the Pope, according to the official Vatican media. He addressed Massimiliano Strappetti, the Vatican nurse who assisted him personally in health issues since 2022.
“Thank you for bringing me back to the square,” Francisco told Strappetti, who had encouraged him to greet the crowd from the Papamóvil on Easter Sunday after the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
It was the first time that Francisco used the Papamóvil since his hospitalization of 39 days earlier this year for bilateral pneumonia. The more than 15 minutes he spent greeting the 50,000 people gathered in the square ended up being their last tour.
His last public words were simple: “Brothers and sisters, happy Easter!”
The 88 -year -old Pope spent the rest of the Easter afternoon resting and had a quiet dinner, according to the Vatican.
At 5:30 am on Monday, April 21 (local time), his health suddenly deteriorated, which caused immediate medical intervention. Little more than an hour later, even in his bed on the second floor of the Santa Marta house, Pope Francis made a farewell gesture with Strappetti’s hand before entering a coma.
He died at 7:35 am in his Vatican apartment. According to his death certificate, the cause of death was a stroke that caused a comma and an irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
“He did not suffer. Everything happened quickly,” Vatican News reported Tuesday, citing those who were present in their last moments.
In the hours after his death, many Catholics reflected on the words of his Easter blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, which had been read in his name from the Lodge on Easter Sunday.
“The resurrection of Jesus is truly the foundation of our hope. Because, in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ – critified and resurrected from among the dead – hope does not disappoint! Hope no confuses! (Cf. Rom 5,5), ”said the message.
“Christ has risen! These words summarize all the meaning of our existence, because we were not made for death, but for life. Easter is the celebration of life! God created us for life and wishes that the human family resurfaces. In his eyes, every life is precious! The child’s life in the maternal breast, as well as the life of the elderly and the sick, which in increasing countries are considered as much.
“In the Pascual mystery of the Lord, death and life met in an admirable combat, but the Lord lives forever (cf. Easter sequence). He fills us with the certainty that we are also called to participate in life that has no end, when the rumble of war or the roar of death no longer heard. Let us encompass him. 21,5).
Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.
Courtney Mares
Courtney Mares is correspondent in the Vatican of Catholic News Agency (CNA), Ewtn News agency. Graduate from Harvard University, has reported from news offices on three continents and received the Gardner scholarship for its work with North Korean refugees.