POPE FRANCIS ASKS FOR HIS LAST WISH AND IT IS TO SEE HIS DOG! – THE EMOTIONAL MOMENT THAT MOVED EVERYONE | HO 

Pope Francis was always a man of simple heart. The papal life, with its rituals and ceremonies, never managed to take away his human essence: closeness, compassion, and humility. During the early years of his papacy, the afternoons were long, lonely, and mostly silent. But one day, something changed.

Pope Francis, known worldwide for his humility, closeness, and compassion, spent his final days in the Vatican surrounded by love, faith, and above all, a very special companion: his loyal dog Lázaro. This story, unknown to many until now, reveals the Pope’s most human side and the unbreakable bond that can form between a man and an animal. In his final moments, Pope Francis made a last wish, as simple as it was profound: to say goodbye to his dog. A gesture that moved all those present and has already gone around the world, becoming a symbol of unconditional love.

An Unexpected Encounter in the Vatican Gardens

The story began years ago, on an autumn morning, when a brown and black dog appeared in the Vatican gardens. Exhausted and trembling, Lázaro—as the Pope named him—had been abandoned to his fate. The Vatican, a symbol of grandeur and power, rarely witnessed the presence of a stray animal. However, that day, Pope Francis, true to his simple and compassionate nature, approached the animal without hesitation. He knelt down, petted him and whispered: “I will call you Lázaro, because like in the Gospel, here you will come back to life and have a home.”

From that moment on, Lázaro became an inseparable companion. His presence proved deeply therapeutic for the Pope, who found comfort in him during long evenings of work and solitude. While Francis wrote homilies or meditated, Lázaro rested at his feet in silence, establishing a special connection that needed no words.

A Symbol of Unconditional Love

As time passed, the bond between Pope Francis and Lázaro only grew stronger. Vatican employees and visitors noticed the change in the Pontiff: more relaxed, more human, more approachable. Francis often spoke about his dog in speeches and homilies, using him as an example of pure love and loyalty. “A dog’s love is pure, expects nothing in return, does not judge or question. It is simply there, present. That is what we need most in this world,” he said.

However, the years take their toll. The Pope’s health began to deteriorate. The arthritis in his hip became more painful and his heart, though strong, could no longer keep up with the pace of papal life. Despite medical recommendations, Francis found the strength every morning to spend time with Lázaro. “My heart remains strong, nourished by the love I receive, even from my faithful four-legged friend,” he said with a smile.

The Last Embrace

The end was near. After an audience with cardinals, Francis returned to his room visibly exhausted. Lázaro, always attentive, ran to meet him. “Don’t worry, my friend, I’m fine,” the Pope whispered, though both knew time was running out. In the following weeks, his weakness became evident, but the Pope’s mind remained lucid and his heart, full of love.

One quiet afternoon, after waking from a nap, Francis felt a strange peace. Lázaro was by his side, as always. The Pope extended his hand, stroked the dog’s head, and spoke: “Lázaro, my friend, I know you have accompanied me on this journey, but now I must begin mine. Will you be alright?” The dog laid his face in the Pope’s hand, a simple gesture but full of emotion. Francis closed his eyes, feeling that deep connection that transcends life itself.

The Last Wish of Pope Francis

The inevitable day arrived. The doctors confirmed the Pope would not last much longer. Francis asked to be alone with Lázaro, with no protocol or ceremony, just him and his dog. It was his last wish: an intimate farewell, a final embrace before goodbye. “Today is the day,” he said softly, stroking Lázaro’s brown and black fur one last time. “I promise I will not leave you alone. My spirit will always be with you. I know you understand me too, Lázaro. You don’t need to say anything.”

Lázaro, as if he understood, lay beside the Pope, offering silent comfort. In that instant, there was no more pain or fear, only profound peace. In his final moments, Francis took the hand of one of his assistants and whispered: “Tell everyone I have lived a full life, surrounded by love. Tell them I am at peace, but that I will always carry Lázaro with me in my heart.” When the Pope finally closed his eyes forever, Lázaro remained there, motionless, silent, faithful until the last heartbeat.

The Legacy of an Eternal Friendship

The news of Pope Francis’s death spread around the world, but in the Vatican, the atmosphere was different. The bells of St. Peter’s rang in respect, and everyone knew that the bond between the Pope and his dog would not end with Francis’s physical departure. Lázaro continued to walk through the gardens, resting in his friend’s favorite corners. Although his companion was no longer there, the Pope’s presence seemed to permeate every corner of the Vatican.

During the funeral, world leaders, representatives of different religions, and millions of faithful gathered to pay tribute to Francis. But among them all, one figure stood out for his silence and sadness: Lázaro, the Pope’s dog, walked slowly through the corridors, looking for his friend, remembering the days they shared.

An Unforgettable Tribute

The Vatican decided to pay a special tribute to Lázaro, not only as the Pope’s dog, but as a symbol of loyalty and kindness. In an emotional ceremony, cardinals, priests, and visitors remembered the relationship between Francis and his dog. Cardinal Parolin delivered words that moved everyone: “Today we not only mourn the passing of a great Pope, but we also celebrate the love he left us. Francis loved all living beings, and Lázaro is the living testimony of that love.”

A statue of Lázaro was erected in the Vatican gardens, in the spot where he used to walk with Francis. Visitors from all over the world came to touch the statue, seeking to feel the connection that united two souls in a friendship without conditions.

The Last Gift of Love

As the months passed, Lázaro became a symbol of hope. Vatican employees cared for him and visitors came to meet the dog who had been the Pope’s friend. Animal welfare organizations adopted his image as a banner, and priests around the world organized charity events in his honor, reminding everyone that loyalty and love have no limits.

Finally, on January 25, 2029, Lázaro peacefully passed away in the Vatican gardens, under the same tree where he had so often rested with Francis. His passing marked the end of a chapter, but it was not a sad ending, but the culmination of a life dedicated to love and loyalty.

Lázaro’s statue remains a place of pilgrimage and a reminder that true love transcends death and time. Pope Francis’s last wish—to see his dog—leaves us an indelible lesson: love and loyalty are eternal, and sometimes the greatest gift is the silent presence of the one who accompanies us until the last heartbeat.