Pope Francis made a heartbreaking final gesture to his nurse before his death at the age of 88.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The devastating news was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who said: "At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised," he continued.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," he added.
In the days leading up to his passing, the pontiff experienced a significant decline in health.
Earlier this month, he suffered an isolated bronchospasm that led to vomiting and a severe respiratory episode. These complications followed a February hospitalisation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was treated for pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure.
Despite his deteriorating condition, Pope Francis remained active in his ministry. On Easter Sunday, just one day before his death, he made an emotional final appearance in St. Peter’s Square.
Addressing over 35,000 worshippers from the loggia balcony, he smiled, waved, and said: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” It was a moment few realised would be his last public message.
Behind the scenes, the Pope had turned to his longtime nurse and aide, Massimiliano Strappetti, who had been by his side through his many health challenges.
Before deciding to make the public appearance, he asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?” Afterward, he thanked him with the words: “Thanks for bringing me to the square.”
Strappetti would also be present in Pope Francis’ final moments. According to CBS News, the pontiff shared a peaceful dinner on Sunday evening and seemed stable until 5:30AM the next day.
Just over an hour later, he made a silent gesture of farewell to the nurse before slipping into a coma. “He did not suffer. It all happened quickly,” the outlet reported.
Following his death, the Vatican made Pope Francis’ final will and testament public.
He outlined his personal burial wishes in it: “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major," per The Independent.
He requested that his tomb be simple and unadorned, marked solely with the inscription “Franciscus.” He also specified the burial site within the basilica: “in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel, Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel.”
The costs of the burial, according to the testament, are to be covered by an anonymous benefactor, with financial management entrusted to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas.
In the final lines of his testament, the Pope wrote: “The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
By tradition, the Church has now entered the period of sede vacante, during which the papal office remains vacant until a new pope is elected.
Pope Francis' casket is currently lying in state at St Peter's Basilica for a three-day public viewing.
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26.