Pope Francis, recognized for his humility and compassion across the world, said a simple but very affecting farewell in his closing hours. His final remarks, just unearthed, embody the essence of a man who never left the people he served. The Pope did not address a cardinal, politician, or even a global leader in his final speech. Instead, it was for his lifelong nurse and personal healthcare aide, Massimiliano Strappetti, who had supported him throughout some of his most vulnerable times, including while he was suffering from double pneumonia.
“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” Pope Francis remarked quietly, barely hours after traveling across St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile for the last time, according to Vatican News, after recovering from a five-week attack with double pneumonia.
Pope Francis’ final words to his caretaker
There was no plan for that final voyage. The Pope hesitated after giving his usual Urbi et Orbi benediction on Easter Sunday. “Do you think I can manage it?” he questioned Mr. Strappetti. The journey, it turns out, was more than simply symbolic: it was a farewell.
Among hundreds of faithful, the Pope laughed, waved, and greeted youngsters in his final act of connection to the people he had committed to walk beside since his election in 2013. Later that day, he rested, ate a calm dinner, and fell asleep. He became unwell unexpectedly before daybreak. He made a final farewell to Mr. Strappetti before falling into a coma. By daylight, he had departed. Those present believe his death was gentle. It arrived easily, without pain or drama. It was a subdued finish, reflecting the Pope’s longtime penchant for secrecy, particularly about his health.
Who is Massimiliano Strappetti?
At 54 years old, Massimiliano Strappetti has quietly established himself as one of the most trusted medical figures in the Vatican. According to Italian media, his adventure began in the acute care unit of the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, but his career quickly took a peculiar turn, putting him in the heart of the Catholic Church. Strappetti has worked closely with three popes: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and, most recently, Pope Francis. His decades of knowledge and calm demeanor gained him a spot in the Vatican’s inner medical circle, ultimately leading Francis to designate him as his personal healthcare assistant in 2022, a position of immense responsibility and trust.
Despite his significant function, nothing is known about Strappetti’s personal life. His Facebook profile is fairly low-key, with largely family images and a few references to Lazio, his favorite soccer team. There is no public mention of his work with the Pope, no fancy titles, simply somebody genuinely devoted to caring, serving, and remaining out of the spotlight.
The final moments of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88 from a stroke followed by cardiac arrest. He was hospitalized for 38 days earlier this year after contracting severe pneumonia. Despite returning to the Vatican about a month ago and appearing to be on the mend, the Pope continues to push himself hard. Francis, known for his unwavering determination, refused physicians’ advice to rest for two months and instead spent his final day working.
In his last moments, he didn’t ask for recognition. He gave thanks to those who had helped him survive. And in that simple “thank you,” the world got one final glimpse of the man who led with heart.
