The poignant final act by Pope Francis towards a nurse has been disclosed following his passing on Easter Monday.
Pope Francis, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, faced declining health in the months before his death at 88 years old.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in February due to a respiratory illness, chronic bronchitis, which escalated to pneumonia in both lungs and also mild kidney failure.
Earlier this month, he endured an ‘isolated attack of bronchospasm,’ causing vomiting with inhalation and a ‘sudden deterioration of his respiratory condition’.
The Vatican announced his death 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.″
Among Pope Francis’ final statements was an expression of gratitude to the nurse who supported him during the challenging last months of his life.
The Vatican’s news outlet conveyed that Francis expressed to Massimiliano Strappetti: “Thanks for bringing me to the square.”
He delivered his last speech as Pope on Easter Sunday (April 20), despite initial uncertainty, asking Strappetti, his personal assistant: “Do you think I can manage it?”
Pope Francis delivered a ‘heartbreaking’ final address to the crowd in St Peter’s Square, Vatican.
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.”
In part of his message, he added: “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.
According to Vatican News, Francis enjoyed a ‘peaceful dinner’ the evening before his death, and it was not until 5:30am local time on Monday that concern arose among his close circle.
The report noted: “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.”
Pope Francis’ death was attributed to a cerebral stroke that resulted in a coma and irreversible heart failure.