A ‘discreet death’: Vatican recounts Pope Francis’ last hours

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis thanked his personal nurse for encouraging him to greet the crowds at St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, according to the Vatican, which said that these were among his last words.

The Argentine pontiff, 88,

died early on April 21 from a stroke,

less than a month after returning home from five weeks in hospital battling double pneumonia.

“Thank you for bringing me back to the square,” Pope Francis told his nurse, Mr Massimiliano Strappetti, after what would be his final popemobile ride, according to the Vatican News, the Holy See’s media outlet.

The Pope appeared exhausted during Easter celebrations on April 20, but nevertheless greeted the crowd and drove around St Peter’s Square cheered by thousands of rapt worshippers.

“Do you think I can manage it?“ he had asked Mr Strappetti before taking the plunge.

The medic, in whom he had complete confidence, reassured him.

Pope Francis then spent about 15 minutes waving at the crowd and blessing babies from his popemobile, flanked by numerous bodyguards.

He spent the afternoon resting in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, and had a peaceful dinner, Vatican News reported.

On April 21, at around 5.30am (11.30am Singapore time), “the first signs of illness appeared”, it said.

More than an hour later, he waved to Mr Strappetti from his bed in what the media site described as “a gesture of farewell” before falling into a coma.

Pope Francis was declared dead at 7.35am.

“He did not suffer. It all happened quickly,” Vatican News said, quoting people who were with the pontiff in his final moments.

“It was a discreet death, almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm, for a pope who had always been very reserved about his health.”

Pope Francis credited Mr Strappetti with once having saved his life for persuading him to undergo surgery for an inflammation in his intestine.

His funeral will be held on April 26. AFP