Vatican: Pope Francis Death – Vatican
(Vatican City, Italy) — Among Pope Francis’ final words were an offering of thanks to his personal health care assistant, Massimilano Strappetti. Strappetti was with the Pope on Easter as he made an appearance before the crowds in St. Peter’s Square and rode through in the popemobile. Strappetti says the Pope thanked him for bringing him back to the square, for what would ultimately be his last visit. Francis then rested and had a quiet dinner in his apartment before going to bed, Strappetti said. He started showing signs of illness around 5:30 in the morning before slipping into a coma and then death.
The body of Pope Francis is now lying in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica. Mourners from all over the world are lining up to pay their respects during three days of public viewing. The pontiff’s body was carried out of his residence early Wednesday on a wooden platform that was held up by 14 pallbearers, in a procession that included priests, cardinals, friars and Swiss Guards.
The 88-year-old pontiff died Monday.
