The emotional final gesture Pope Francis made to a nurse before his passing on Easter Monday has now been shared.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been in poor health for several months leading up to his death at the age of 88.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in February after dealing with a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, which later turned into pneumonia in both of his lungs, along with mild kidney failure.
Earlier this month, he also suffered an isolated bronchospasm, which led to vomiting and a sudden worsening of his breathing condition.
The Vatican confirmed his death earlier this week, with Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
In his final days, Francis expressed his thanks to the nurse who had been with him during the last months of his life due to his ongoing health struggles. According to the Vatican’s news outlet, he told Massimiliano Strappetti: “Thanks for bringing me to the square.”
Pope Francis delivered his final speech on Easter Sunday (April 20). Initially uncertain, he had asked Strappetti, his personal assistant: “Do you think I can manage it?” He then addressed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, delivering a deeply emotional farewell message.
He said: [Translation] “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter! Blessed be the almighty father and son and holy spirit. I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message.”
His address, in part, continued: “And with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial. Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
“For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
Vatican News reported that Francis had a “peaceful dinner” the night before he passed away, and it wasn’t until 5:30 am local time on Monday that his inner circle started to worry.
The outlet stated: “A little more than an hour later, making a farewell gesture with his hand to Strappetti … the pontiff went into a coma. He did not suffer, and it all happened very fast.”
Francis’ cause of death has been confirmed as a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.