JAKARTA - "Thank you for bringing me back to the field (Santo Petrus)," was one of the last words Pope Francis said to his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti.
Quoting Vatican News, Francis thanked Strappetti, who had prompted him to make his last trip in a whale car or polemobile on Easter Sunday (20/4), the day before his death.
According to the Pope, Strappetti has contributed to saving his life by suggesting colon surgery in 2021. He was later appointed by the Holy Father in 2022 to become his personal health nurse.
Strappetti remained by Pope Francis' side for 38 days of treatment at Gemelli Hospital, Rome, from mid-February to early March.
He also stood guard all the time during the Pope's recovery in Casa Santa Marta.
Strappetti also accompanied Pope Francis when the supreme leader of the Catholic Church appeared to give blessings toUrbi et Orbi (for the City of Rome and the world) at Easter Sunday mass, from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
The day before, they went together to St. Peter's Basilica to review the route the Pope would take the next day when he would appear at Easter Sunday mass.
As reported by ANTARA, the late Pope Francis is said to want to give a meaningful final surprise to 50,000 believers who attended the Day of the Awakening of Jesus, by boarding the whale car after the reading of the blessing.
However, Pope Francis, who was a little hesitant, had time to ask Strappetti's opinion. "Do you think I can do it?" Pope Francis asked Strappetti.
Arriving in St. Peter's Square, the Pope rode a polemobile, familiar with many people, especially children, because this was his first trip after being discharged from the hospital, as well as his last journey with the faithful throughout his life.
Tired but satisfied, the Pope, who managed to perfect his last trip around St. Peter's Square, then thanked Strappetti.
The touching words show the Pope's deep desire to be among God's people, enjoying the human relationship that is characteristic of his papality.
Fransiskus' last hours were then followed by resting on Sunday afternoon, then having dinner in a calm atmosphere.
The next morning at 05.30 am Vatican time, the Pope suddenly became ill and his guards immediately responded.
About an hour later, after signaling farewell to Strappetti's hand, the Pope who was lying in bed at his apartment on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta fell into a coma.
According to information from those who were with him in his final moments, Pope Francis did not suffer.
Everything happened quickly. His death took place in peace, almost suddenly, without the long suffering or public concern.
Pope Francis died on Monday (21/4), just a day after Easter, at the age of 88.
The man whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio died after giving his last Apostolic blessing and hugging the faithful once again.
They are the people of Allah who, since the first time he was elected as the Pope on March 13, 2013, he has promised to "walk together".
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