Pope Francis's final days: A last ride and poignant farewell
On the eve of his passing, Pope Francis surprised the faithful by driving around St. Peter's Square in the popemobile. What did he say to his nurse?
The whole world bids farewell to Pope Francis, crowds gather in the Vatican. Follow our LIVE coverage
What do you need to know?
- Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at 1:35 AM Eastern Time.
- The Pope's funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26.
- Massimiliano Strappetti, the Pope's personal nurse, accompanied him during all public appearances. It was to him that Francis exchanged some of his last words.
On Easter Sunday, just before his death, Pope Francis surprised the gathered faithful by appearing on the balcony of the basilica during the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
What were Pope Francis's last words?
Then, to the surprise of many, he rode around St. Peter's Square in the open popemobile, greeting tens of thousands of people. According to information provided by Vatican media, Francis directed some of his last words to his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti. - Thank you for taking me to the square — said Francis.
Strappetti accompanied the Pope during all his public appearances. The last meeting of Francis with the faithful took place on Easter Sunday.
Holy Saturday was the day when Pope Francis arrived at St. Peter's Basilica two hours before the Easter Vigil Mass. There, he also greeted the faithful, and his presence was a huge surprise to many. At that time, as revealed by nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, the Pope wanted to see again the path he must travel in a wheelchair to reach the Benediction Loggia. - Do you think I can do it? - Francis asked his nurse, who responded affirmatively.
The Vatican announced the date of Francis's funeral
Pope Francis's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. As the Vatican conveyed, the solemn funeral Mass for the Bishop of Rome, Francis, will begin at 4 AM Eastern Time.
On Wednesday at 3 AM Eastern Time, the coffin containing Francis's body will be moved from the chapel in the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Vatican Basilica, where the faithful will be able to pay their respects.
After the funeral, the conclave will begin, which will elect a new pope (who governs the Vatican after the pope's death?). This process is carried out in strict secrecy, and the cardinal electors will be confined in the Sistine Chapel (how is a new pope chosen).
