Pope Francis discussed his own death and how he wanted to go two years before his passing on Easter Monday. The pontiff, 88, died of cerebral stroke, coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse after being hospitalised with pneumonia in February. In his final interview with Argentine online newspaper Infobae, the Holy Father said he was prepared for death and he had made a request to God. 

He said: "At least I can see it coming. I know it's coming. Sometimes when I thought there might be a risk, I prepared myself. I asked the Lord not to catch me unconscious." The last sentence is commonly associated with the concept of being prepared for death and the transition to the next life. It expresses a desire for awareness and a sense of peace at the time of death.

Some interpretations of the phrase link it to the idea of living a life that is prepared for the judgment that will follow. Others see it as a simple expression of hope for a peaceful end, without shock or fear.

While the exact origin and context of this phrase are not always clearly defined, it's often used in discussions about mortality and spirituality.

The Pope continued: "They say it's rare that there's a fear of death; fear is seeing it coming."

He also believed that "there must be a great light, a great happiness. A great journey on the path to encountering God" in the minutes after death.

He concluded: "I believe that God waits and helps until the very last moment."

Pope Francis was an advocate for LGBTQ rights, migrants, and people affected by war.

He also spoke on the phone with the only Catholic church in Gaza every night since October 2023, and spoke with them for the last time just two days before his death.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, after his body is taken to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, where his coffin will remain for people to pay their respects until the burial.