In a heartfelt interview with CNN’s health desk, Professor Andrea Arcangeli—Pope Francis’ longtime physician—described how the pontiff spent his last night in prayer, surrounded by the gentle glow of votive candles and the soft murmur of hymns echoing through Casa Santa Marta’s chapel.
We announce the passing of our beloved Pope Francis. Pray for his soul and for the Church. https://twitter.com/VaticanNews/status/1913809876543210123— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Arcangeli recounted that Francis, who had battled a severe stroke days earlier, summoned enough strength to clutch a simple wooden crucifix offered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin. “He smiled,” Arcangeli said, “and whispered, ‘May they know mercy.’ Then his breathing slowed, and he was gone.” Reuters reports the medical findings that confirmed a fatal stroke leading to heart failure.
According to People magazine, Francis also asked his aides to forgive his critics and to “embrace the poor as I have tried,” a final testament to his lifelong mission of humility and outreach.
His compassion knew no borders. May his gentle soul rest in peace. https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1913821234567890123— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2025
Global leaders joined the tribute: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Francis as “a shepherd of the humble,” while The Guardian chronicled the unprecedented scenes in St. Peter’s Square as pilgrims gathered to honor his legacy.
As the Vatican prepares for funeral rites on April 26, Arcangeli’s moving account offers a final glimpse of a pontiff who chose mercy above all—departing this world with a prayer for compassion that will echo through Church history.
