Pope Francis’ last words before he sadly passed away at the age of 88 have been revealed.
As widely reported, the pontiff died on Easter Monday (April 21) following a sudden stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The Holy See revealed that initial signs of the Pope’s sudden illness emerged at approximately 5:30AM. Just an hour later, having made a silent gesture of farewell to his longtime nurse and aide Massimiliano Strappetti, he fell into a coma.
“According to those who were with him in his final moments, he did not suffer. It all happened quickly,” the Vatican stated, describing his death as “discreet … almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm,” cited by PEOPLE.
Among his final words, spoken the previous day, was a simple expression of gratitude. “Thank you,” Pope Francis told Strappetti, a medical professional the Pontiff once credited with saving his life by recommending colon surgery.
Despite his frailty, the Pope made an unexpected appearance in the popemobile on Easter Sunday, offering blessings to over 35,000 worshippers in St. Peter’s Square.
Following his death, the Vatican entered the period of “sede vacante” or “empty seat” – during which the papal office remains vacant until a new pope is elected.
Preparations for his funeral are currently underway, with his body set to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 to allow the faithful to pay their respects.
Alongside the announcement of his passing, the Holy See released Pope Francis’ final will and testament, revealing the Pontiff’s personal burial wishes.
“I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial,” he wrote, per The Independent. “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major.”
