Shortly before his death, Pope Francis thanked Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal healthcare assistant, who brought the Pope to his final public appearance at St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican News reported that Pope Francis credited Strappetti with saving his life when the nurse suggested that he undergo colon surgery in 2021. In 2022, he appointed Strappetti as his personal healthcare assistant, and stayed by his side during his hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital and his time afterward at Casa Santa Marta.
Strappetti was also by Pope Francis’ side during the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which was read aloud for him by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, as Zeale previously reported.
Vatican News added that the Pope asked Strappetti if he thought he could manage a final, surprise visit to the crowd in his Popemobile after the blessing.
After he embraced individuals from the crowd of 50,000 at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope told Strappetti, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square."
Vatican News added that the Pope’s last hours were peaceful. He had a quiet dinner on Sunday evening, and his first signs of illness appeared at 5:30 a.m. April 21.
Around 6:30 a.m., the Pope waved goodbye to Strappetti and fell into a coma. According to those who were present, the Pope did not suffer and passed quickly.
“The passing of Pope Francis came the day after Easter, when he was able to offer the city and the world his final Apostolic Blessing and embrace the faithful once more,” the article concludes. “It was exactly the people of God with whom, from the very first moments of his election on March 13, 2013, he had promised to walk ‘together.’”
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