Pope Francis’ Last Words: A Thank You Echoes Through St. Peter’s Square

Pope Francis’ final hours were marked by gratitude and humility, as the Vatican revealed his last words on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pontiff spent his last day among 50,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square, following his Easter blessing from the iconic balcony.

Before heading out in the popemobile one last time, Francis turned to his nurse and caregiver, Massimiliano Strappetti, with a gentle question: “Do you think I can manage it?” That’s some relatable uncertainty before facing a crowd, even for someone dubbed the People’s Pope.

Reassured, Francis made his way through the sea of worshippers, pausing to embrace many—especially children—before retiring to rest and enjoy a quiet dinner.

As the Vatican described, among Francis’ last words was a heartfelt message to Strappetti: “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” It’s a simple but moving goodbye for a man whose papacy was all about connecting with ordinary people.

Health concerns had shadowed Francis for years, and signs of illness appeared around 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday. Within an hour, he fell into a coma after making a final gesture of farewell to his caregiver. He passed away soon after, reportedly without suffering, following a heart attack.

The Vatican has since released images of Francis lying in state at the Vatican, dressed in red vestments and his bishop’s miter, as preparations begin for his funeral. The viewing will start Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, and the funeral is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.

The People’s Pope leaves behind not just a legacy, but a final note of gratitude that seems to fit the man who always tried to keep things simple, even at the end.