The heartbreaking final gesture Pope Francis made to a nurse before his death on Easter Monday has now been revealed.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been in declining health in the months leading up to his passing at the age of 88. In February, he was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after battling a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, which then developed into pneumonia in both lungs, along with mild kidney failure.
Earlier this month, he suffered an isolated bronchospasm attack, which caused vomiting and further worsened his respiratory condition. Despite these health challenges, the Vatican confirmed his death this week, with Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing: “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.”
Cardinal Farrell continued, emphasizing Pope Francis’ life of service: “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 marginalized.”
One of Pope Francis’ final acts included expressing gratitude to the nurse who had been by his side during his ongoing health struggles. According to the Vatican’s official news outlet, Francis told his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, “Thanks for bringing me to the square.”
The Holy Father’s last public speech occurred on Easter Sunday (April 20), although he had initially questioned whether he could manage, asking Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?” His speech in St. Peter’s Square was emotionally poignant as he wished the crowd a blessed Easter and expressed his final wishes regarding his burial. “I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he said. “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 Pope Francis had a peaceful dinner the night before his death, but by 5:30 AM on Monday, those close to him began to grow concerned. Just over an hour later, the Pope made a farewell gesture with his hand to Strappetti before slipping into a coma. The pontiff did not suffer, and his passing was quick.
The official cause of death has been confirmed as a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.