In the final moments of his life, Pope Francis — renowned worldwide for his humility and compassion — uttered a farewell that was as simple as it was profound.

His last words, recently revealed, reflect the deep love and connection he felt for those he served. They were not directed at a cardinal, a world leader, or a politician, but rather to someone who had been by his side through his most vulnerable moments: his dedicated nurse and personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti.

“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” Pope Francis said softly, just hours after making his final journey through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile. This ride, unplanned and spontaneous, marked a poignant farewell to the faithful, following his recovery from a five-week battle with double pneumonia.

His final words to Strappetti came just after Pope Francis hesitated following his Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi blessing, asking, “Do you think I can manage it?” The ride, he later realized, was more than a gesture—it was his last connection with the people he had promised to serve since his election in 2013. Among thousands of faithful, he smiled, waved, and embraced children, leaving behind a lasting memory of the warmth and humility he shared with the world.

That evening, after a quiet dinner, the Pope retired to rest. But by dawn, he suddenly fell ill. He bid one last farewell to Strappetti before slipping into a coma. By sunrise, he had passed away, peacefully and without pain — a fitting end for a man who had always cherished his privacy, especially regarding his health.

Massimiliano Strappetti, 54, is a figure of quiet but immense significance at the Vatican. Having begun his career in the intensive care unit at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, Strappetti’s path eventually led him to a unique and pivotal role within the Catholic Church. Over the years, he has been trusted by three popes — John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and most recently, Pope Francis — becoming one of the most respected medical professionals in the Vatican.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN – APRIL 13: Pope Francis, accompanied by his trusted personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, greets the faithful after the Palm Sunday Mass celebrated by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (not pictured) in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on April 13, 2025. (Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)

With decades of experience and a calming presence, Massimiliano Strappetti earned a trusted spot within the Vatican’s inner medical circle. His dedication and quiet professionalism led Pope Francis to appoint him as his personal healthcare assistant in 2022 — a role that carried immense responsibility and trust.

Despite his pivotal position, Strappetti remains a figure of privacy. His Facebook page offers only glimpses of his personal life: family photos and subtle references to his love for Lazio, his favorite soccer team. There is no mention of his work with the Pope, no flashy accolades—just a man devoted to service, dedicated to his work, and deliberately out of the limelight.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke and cardiac arrest. Earlier this year, he had endured a serious bout of pneumonia, spending 38 days hospitalized. Though he had returned to the Vatican nearly a month ago and seemed to be recovering, the Pope continued to push himself relentlessly. Known for his tireless devotion, he ignored doctors’ advice to rest and spent his final day fulfilling his duties.

In his last moments, he did not seek recognition. Instead, he offered a heartfelt “thank you” to those who had supported him through his journey, leaving the world with one final glimpse of the man who led with a heart full of compassion.