The Vatican shared Pope Francis’ last words in his final hours before he died of a stroke on Monday, April 21. According to the Vatican’s press office, Francis said “thank you” to his longtime health aide, Massimiliano Strappetti, a nurse whom the pope has said “once saved his life by suggesting colon surgery.” Strappetti also provided his support as Francis made a surprise appearance in the popemobile, touring among tens of thousands of worshippers outside St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday, where he also gave his annual blessing. Before the event, the Vatican reported that Francis had asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?” Later, he expressed his gratitude to his aide, saying, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” The Vatican noted that he was “tired but content.” His health rapidly declined on Monday morning, as reported by the church, with “the first signs of the sudden illness” appearing around 5:30 a.m. local time. “Around an hour later, after making a gesture of farewell with his hand to Mr. Strappetti, lying in bed in his second-floor apartment at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope fell into a coma,” the Vatican explained.
