The Catechism in Questions & Answers

174. What were the last words of Jesus on the cross?

Traditionally, the final words of Jesus, which are recorded variously in the gospels, are arranged in the following sequence:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23: 34).
Jesus interceded for all those who had brought Him to the cross and who were unaware of the scope of their actions.
Here the commandment to love one’s enemies was fulfilled in unparalleled fashion (cf. Matthew 5: 44-45, 48).
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23: 43).
Jesus addressed these words to the remorseful criminal who had asked Him
for grace and professed Him as Saviour. Here “Paradise” was understood to be the dwelling place of the devout and righteous in the beyond.
“Woman, behold your son!”—“Behold your mother!” (John 19: 26-27).
Jesus entrusted His mother Mary to the care of Apostle John. This demonstrates the love and care of Christ, who still took care of the needs of others, despite His own need.
In Christian tradition, Mary is interpreted as a symbol of the church. This church was thus commended to the care of the Apostle ministry, represented here by John.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15: 34).
When death is near, devout Jews address these words from Psalm 22 to God. On one hand, they thereby lament the feeling of God’s distance, but on the other hand also profess their faith in His power and grace. Jesus likewise made use of this statement, which was commonly used by those in mortal agony. “I thirst” (John 19: 28).
In His death struggle Jesus was thirsty and thus wanted something to drink. These words are associated with Psalm 69: 21: “They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink”. This is interpreted to mean that Jesus had to drink the “cup of suffering” in its entirety, in other words, that He had to suffer until the end. “It is finished!” (John 19: 30).
It was about the ninth hour, which is in the early afternoon, that these words were spoken. Jesus had brought the sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.
“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23: 46).
This makes it clear that, even in the moment of death, Jesus Christ fully trusted in His Father.