In his final hours, Pope Francis, 88, expressed gratitude to his nurse and caregiver, Massimiliano Strappetti, the Vatican disclosed Tuesday.

Following his Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony, Francis was initially hesitant about riding the popemobile through St. Peter’s Square, where 50,000 people had gathered. He asked Strappetti, “Do you think I can manage it?”

After receiving reassurance, Francis proceeded with the tour, embracing individuals, particularly children.

Among his last expressions was a heartfelt message for Strappetti.

“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” the Pope, known as “the People’s Pope,” said, according to Vatican News.

The Vatican news agency reported that Francis spent Sunday afternoon resting and had a quiet dinner.

Vatican News stated that Francis showed signs of illness around 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday and fell into a coma an hour later. Before losing consciousness, he made “a gesture of farewell with his hand” to Strappetti.

Francis passed away after entering a coma and experiencing a heart attack.

According to Vatican News, those present during his final moments reported that Francis’s death was quick and painless.

The Pope’s death comes after years of health issues, including a recent hospitalization for .

The Vatican announced that his body would lie in state at the Vatican on Tuesday. Images showed the Pope in a red vestment and bishop’s miter, lying in a wooden casket.

Francis’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with a public viewing beginning Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica.