In the final moments of his life, Pope Francis displayed a profound sense of grace and peace. Just before slipping into a coma, the Pope, frail and weakened by his battle with illness, raised his hand from his bed in a soft and loving gesture of farewell to his devoted nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti. Only an hour later, the world would lose a beloved figure, as Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m., leaving millions around the world heartbroken.

It had been a difficult month for the pontiff, who was battling double pneumonia. Strappetti, who had been appointed Pope Francis’ personal healthcare assistant in 2022, was by his side throughout the illness. The nurse remained vigilant during the Pope’s entire 38-day hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and continued to care for him after his release. Strappetti’s commitment was unwavering; he was always nearby, supporting the Pope through both physical recovery and emotional moments.

Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance during Easter celebrations. On Easter Sunday, he took a brief ride in the Popemobile through St. Peter’s Square, greeting tens of thousands of worshippers. While Pope Francis was visibly frail and tired, the act itself was deeply meaningful — a final gesture to the crowds who had gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

Before the ride, the Pope hesitated, questioning whether he could manage the effort. “Do you think I can do it?” he asked Strappetti, seeking reassurance from the one who had been his steadfast companion throughout the ordeal. Strappetti, ever supportive, encouraged him, understanding how much this small act would mean to the faithful who had gathered to witness the Pope’s presence.

Despite his physical weakness, Pope Francis spent about 15 minutes in the Popemobile, waving and blessing the cheering crowds. The moment was an emotional one, with some people in the crowd moved to tears. Children waved flags, and many felt a sense of connection with their spiritual leader, who, despite his suffering, chose to offer them this one last, meaningful appearance.

Later that afternoon, after his brief but emotional appearance, Pope Francis rested. Though tired, he was content. In a moment of quiet gratitude, he thanked Strappetti for encouraging the visit to St. Peter’s Square. “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” he said to his trusted aide, a simple yet heartfelt expression of appreciation.

The following morning, the situation took a sudden and unexpected turn. As dawn broke over the Vatican, Pope Francis began to show signs of deterioration. His condition worsened rapidly, and those around him were quick to act, sensing the change in his health. Less than an hour later, the Pope’s condition deteriorated further. Before slipping into a coma, Pope Francis raised his hand in one final, peaceful gesture of farewell to Strappetti, a symbol of his quiet resignation and deep affection for the man who had cared for him so tirelessly.

Pope Francis passed away quietly at 7:35 a.m., leaving the world to mourn his loss. According to those who were present, the Pope’s death was serene, almost sudden, with no prolonged suffering. In keeping with the Pope’s private nature, his death occurred discreetly, without public fanfare or alarm.

Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, but his legacy endures. In his final days, he demonstrated not only how to live with humility, kindness, and grace but also how to face death with dignity. His life was a testament to the values of love, compassion, and service to others, and his final moments were no different.

Though the world now mourns the loss of a beloved spiritual leader, Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful example of how to live with purpose and how to say goodbye with peace. He was a figure of quiet strength, and in his final hours, he gave one last lesson in living with grace and letting go with love.