Pope Francis’ doctor reveals pontiff’s ‘final regret before his death at 88’

Pope Francis’ doctor has shared the pontiff’s “final regret” before his death at 88.

The pope passed away on Easter Monday (April 21) at the age of 88 following a sudden stroke and irreversible heart failure.

The Holy See reported that signs of illness first appeared around 5:30AM. By 6:30AM, the Pope had made a heartfelt gesture of farewell to his longtime aide and nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, before slipping into a coma.

Despite efforts to monitor his condition, his passing was swift, and medical intervention proved futile.

“According to those who were with him in his final moments, he did not suffer. It all happened quickly,” the Vatican stated, describing his death as “discreet … almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm,” cited by PEOPLE.

Just before his final moments, Pope Francis shared one deep regret with Dr. Alfieri: not being able to perform the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual. The gesture, which symbolizes humility and service, had long been a meaningful part of his ministry.

This final, unfulfilled wish came as a surprise, especially given his public appearance in the popemobile on Easter Sunday. Though visibly frail, he insisted on blessing the crowd of over 35,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Before stepping out, he had asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?” Afterward, he said: “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” Vatican officials described him as “tired but content”.

Later that day, he shared a quiet dinner and held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance before retiring for the evening.

His final spoken words – shared the day before he lost consciousness – were a quiet expression of gratitude to Strappetti: “Thank you.”

Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American pontiff.

Over more than a decade, he championed the rights of the marginalized, called for global peace, and remained deeply committed to his mission despite several health problems, including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and chronic respiratory issues.

The Vatican has made the Pope’s final will and testament public. In it, he detailed his burial wishes: “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy.”

“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major,” per The Independent.

He requested a simple, unadorned tomb bearing only the inscription “Franciscus,” and chose a burial site “in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel, Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel”.

“The costs of his burial are to be covered by an anonymous benefactor, with financial matters handled by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas,” he added.

In his final written words, he offered his suffering “to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples”.

Following the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church entered sede vacante, the traditional period during which the papal seat remains vacant until a new Pope is chosen.

His body is lying in an open casket and was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. The funeral is scheduled for April 26.