John Paul II was preparing us for his death with a gesture and a word. And has he, you – his loved ones, somehow prepared for this moment? Did you talk about it?
– Rather not. There was no saying goodbye, handing over the testament. It was natural. Difficult, but natural. In addition, we wanted the Holy Father to feel normal. As much as it was possible. Without any big words or emotions.
– What did you talk about during meals?
– We were focusing on helping the Holy Father as he could no longer eat normally. Everything had to be mixed. He was swallowing it with a great difficulty even after mixing. We were helpless. The Holy Father was emaciated and weaker. But despite this, I have not ever seen any depression.
– And sorrow? Did you see grief?
– Never. We, too, tried not to create such an atmosphere – sadness and farewell.
On Wednesday, doctors decided that they would put a probe through the Pope’s nose so that he would not die of exhaustion. Intestinal nutrition was supposed to provide food and help regain strength. It did not help. It was not enough. But it sustained John Paul II alive.
– On Thursday a crisis comes…
– High fever, very low pressure, The Holy Father loses his breath. Doctors are with him all the time. They give antibiotics. They suggest transporting the Holy Father immediately to the intensive care unit to the clinic. But the Holy Father does not want to go to the hospital. We are staying home. It is bad. The Holy Father breathes with an oxygen mask.
– What do doctors say?
– That’s the end. If not now, then in a few days, but that there is no longer hope for life. It is a shock to us…
With the permission of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki –“He liked Tuesdays the most”
M Publishing House, Krakow 2008
