Despite being ordered to rest for two months after his hospital release on March 23, Pope Francis continued working. On April 17, he visited inmates at Regina Coeli prison for Holy Thursday but skipped the traditional foot-washing ritual due to his health. “This year, I cannot do it,” he told the prisoners, “but I want to be close to you.”
His inability to perform the ritual became his final expressed regret. “This time, I couldn’t do it,” he told Dr. Alfieri, who said those were his last words.
Francis spent Easter Sunday meeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance and delivering a message to thousands from St. Peter’s Basilica. He passed away the next day, having remained active and faithful to his role until the end. “He didn’t let us down,” Dr. Alfieri said.