India, April 22 -- The Vatican said on Tuesday that Pope Francis' final remarks included a sincere thank you to his personal health care helper.

While getting emotional, the 88-year-old pope, who passed on Monday due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure, thanked Massimiliano Strappetti, a nurse and caregiver, for persuading him to take one last ride in the popemobile on Easter.

Following his release from Rome's Gemelli Hospital this year, the sick pope questioned Strappetti, "Do you think I can manage it?"

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hindustan Times....