According to well-informed sources from the Vatican, Pope Francis passed away early Monday morning, just under half an hour later.
Sky News reports that Pope Francis woke up at 6 AM and seemed to be in good health for about an hour.
However, shortly after 7 AM, an emergency call was made to the Vatican medical unit from his guesthouse, where he had chosen to stay.
Medical personnel considered the possibility of transporting the Pope to Gemelli Hospital, where he had been treated for pneumonia earlier in the year.
Additionally, sources indicated that Rome police received an urgent request for an escort after 7 AM.
Fortunately, Pope Francis’ condition improved rapidly, leading to the cancellation of the request. He exchanged a nod with his nurse, Massimiliano Strupetti, before slipping into a coma.
He passed away at 7:35 AM at the age of 88.
Bystanders told Vatican News, the official media outlet of the Holy See, that “he didn’t suffer; it all happened very quickly.”
A Final “Thank You” for the Stroll
“Thank you for bringing me back to the square”: These were among Pope Francis’ last words to his personal attendant who had encouraged him to take one final ride through St. Peter’s Square in his special motorized vehicle on Easter Sunday.
This heartfelt moment was reported by Vatican News as one of the pontiff’s final statements before his passing.
After delivering the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony, Pope Francis surprised the thousands of faithful who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Easter by making an appearance.
Before his outing, Francis asked Massimiliano Strupetti, “Do you think I can do it?” Strupetti reassured him, and the Pope blessed babies and interacted warmly with the crowd for nearly fifteen minutes, flanked by several bodyguards.
According to Vatican News, after the public appearance, Pope Francis rested in his apartment at the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican before having dinner.
Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday morning, attended by a large gathering of faithful and heads of state. Following the service, a conclave will be convened to elect his successor.
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