Confirmed: The Last Words Pope Francis Said to His Doctor Before Dying

The Death of Pope Francis Marks a Before and After in the Recent History of the Catholic Church. The Argentine Pontiff passed away this Monday, April 21, due to a cerebral stroke. It happened just one day after he greeted the faithful for the last time in St. Peter's Square.

His passing was sudden but serene, and it came right after Easter Sunday. His last public appearance was in that same context. On Sunday morning, during the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing, he appeared weak, but no one expected that this would be his final farewell.

These Were Pope Francis's Last Words to His Doctor

On Sunday, during Easter morning, Pope Francis once again appeared before the world. He did so from the Loggia of Blessings, fulfilling the traditional Urbi et Orbi. Although his frailty was visible, no one imagined that this gesture would be his farewell.

After the blessing, he surprised everyone with a final tour of St. Peter's Square. He did so in the popemobile, with the support and encouragement of his inseparable healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti. It was a spontaneous act, full of meaning, that unexpectedly closed a historic chapter.

"Thank you for taking me back to the Square," these were, according to sources close to the papal circle, the last words the Pontiff addressed to Strappetti. The nurse has been an essential figure in Francis's life, especially in the most delicate moments. He was the one who, years ago, recommended the colon surgery that saved his life.

Since then, Strappetti never left his side. He was with him day and night during the admissions at the Gemelli Polyclinic. He also accompanied him during the convalescence at Casa Santa Marta.

The Saturday before his death, they both visited St. Peter's Basilica. They wanted to review the route they would take the next day. "Do you think I can do it?" Pope Francis asked, somewhat unsure.

Strappetti encouraged him. That mutual trust made possible Pope Francis's last gesture toward his people: getting into the popemobile and touring the square. During that brief journey, he once again approached the people, and it was a discreet, spontaneous, and deeply human farewell.

That need for closeness defined his pontificate. Pope Francis chose direct contact as a way of governing. Also as a way of evangelizing and alleviating suffering, and his last words reflect that spirit.

Pope Francis's Last Hours Were Serene and Without Clamor

After that very special day, Pope Francis rested. He spent the afternoon in calm and enjoyed a quiet dinner. No one could foresee what would happen hours later.

Around 5:30 in the morning, Francis began to feel unwell. Those who were caring for him acted quickly, but it was not enough. Shortly after, he fell into a coma, without pain and in total serenity, according to those present.

From the bed of his apartment, on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, the Pope made a final gesture with his hand to Strappetti, who remained by his side. It was a silent farewell, without grand speeches or flamboyant gestures, as befitted the Pontiff's reserved style. The one who, since his election on March 13, 2013, had promised to walk "together" with his people.

Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Rome, thus fulfilling his wish for a sober and unostentatious funeral. Meanwhile, the conclave opens that will decide the immediate future of the Catholic Church. The world bids farewell to a Pope who, even in his last moments, thought more of others than of himself.