VATICAN (SE): “Thank you for bringing me back to the square,” Pope Francis reportedly said to Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who, since 2022, had been his personal healthcare assistant, Vatican News reported.
This expression of gratitude was among the pope last words to the person who, according to the pope himself, once saved his life by suggesting colon surgery.
Strappetti remained by the pope’s side throughout the 38 days of his hospitalisation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, and kept round-the-clock watch during his recovery at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. He was with the pope on Easter Sunday, during the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Only the day prior, they had gone together to St. Peter’s Basilica to review the route he would take the following day when he was to appear on the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis wanted to offer one last, meaningful surprise to the 50,000 faithful with a ride in the popemobile on Sunday after the blessing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica façade. However, he did hesitate a bit and asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?”
Thank you for bringing me back to the square
However, once in St. Peter’s Square, he embraced the crowd, especially the children, as this was his first ride since being discharged from hospital, and would turn out to be his last outing among the faithful.
Tired but content, Pope Francis later thanked Strappetti, saying, “Thank you for bringing me back to the square.”
The words revealed his deep desire to be among the people of God, enjoying the human connection he made a hallmark of his papacy.
He then rested on Sunday afternoon and had a quiet dinner.
It was at around 5:30am that the first signs of the sudden illness appeared, prompting an immediate response from those keeping watch over him.
Do you think I can manage it?
Around an hour later, after making a gesture of farewell with his hand to Strappetti, the pope fell into a coma.
Those who were there in his final moments said he did not suffer. It all happened quickly. His was a discreet death, almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm,.
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.
It was exactly the people of God with whom, from the very first moments of his election on 13 March 2013, he had promised to walk “together.”
