Pope’s touching last words to his personal nurse who convinced him to take one last ride in the popemobile on Sunday after the pontiff asked ‘Do you think I can manage it?’

The pontiff appeared exhausted during Easter celebrations on Sunday, but nevertheless greeted the crowds and drove around St Peter’s Square cheered by thousands of rapt worshippers.

‘Do you think I can manage it?’ he had asked Strappetti before taking the plunge, according to the Vatican News, the Holy See’s media outlet.

The medic, whom he had previously credited for saving his life, reassured him.

Francis then spent about 15 minutes waving at the crowd and blessing babies from his popemobile, flanked by numerous bodyguards.

The Pope spent the afternoon resting in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, and had a peaceful dinner, Vatican News reported.