The crowd erupted in cheers of “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the pope) and “Bravo!” as Francis looped through the square in his open-topped popemobile.

Among Pope Francis' final words was a thank you to his nurse, who had helped the pope surprise crowds in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday with a short tour in his popemobile for the first time since surviving a five-week bout of double pneumonia.

The Vatican sealed the doors to both Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Frances lived, and the Apostolic Palace, following the announcement of his death on April 21.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Here are the key things to know about the death of the Argentine pontiff, history's first from Latin America, who presided over the Catholic Church for more than 12 years.

WORCESTER ― Worcester Bishop Robert J. McManus called Pope Francis a pastor of the people who had a "will of steel" and wanted, with God's grace, to get through Lent despite his ill health. The Vatican announced the death of the 88-year-old pope earlier on April 21.