Pope's final words thanked nurse as funeral plans begin

Among the final words of the Pope was a thank you to the nurse who had helped him through his recent illness and allowed him to surprise crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday with a short tour in the Popemobile.

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

“Thanks for bringing me to the square,” Francis told Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal healthcare assistant since 2022, the Vatican’s official news outlet reported.

The Pope initially had doubts about the Easter Sunday Popemobile ride. “Do you think I can manage it?” the pontiff had asked Mr Strappetti.

Meanwhile, Kensington Palace announced yesterday that the Prince of Wales will attend the Pope’s funeral on behalf of King Charles III. William will travel to Vatican City on Saturday; the decision is in keeping with modern tradition.

The pope, aged 88, died on Monday morning from a stroke and heart failure. He had spent 38 days in hospital fighting double pneumonia but returned to the Vatican almost a month ago and had seemed to be recovering.

Francis spent his final day working, defying the advice of doctors who had told him to take two months’ rest to allow his ageing body to heal.