Doctors treating Pope Francis debated whether to continue life-saving measures after the 88-year-old pontiff suffered a severe respiratory crisis, according to his lead physician.
Professor Sergio Alfieri, who oversaw the pope’s care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, told Corriere della Sera that the most critical moment came on February 28, when Francis experienced a breathing crisis and inhaled his own vomit.
“We had to choose whether to stop and let him go or force it and try with all the drugs and therapies possible, running the very high risk of damaging other organs. And in the end, we took this path,” Alfieri said.
The decision to proceed with treatment was made by Francis’ personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who reportedly told Alfieri, “Try everything, we won’t give up.”
Francis was hospitalized for 38 days, his longest stay since becoming pope. Doctors said he faced multiple breathing crises, two of which were life-threatening.
The Vatican provided regular updates on the pope’s condition throughout his hospitalization. Alfieri said Francis wanted full transparency, instructing his medical team to be honest about his health.
Francis was discharged on March 23 and has since returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he continues receiving treatment, including respiratory therapy and voice recovery exercises. Vatican officials said he will resume his duties gradually, with doctors recommending 24-hour medical assistance and oxygen therapy if needed.
During his recovery, Francis has continued delivering weekly reflections and has urged prayers for war-torn regions, including Ukraine and Israel.
“You have continued to pray for me with so much patience and perseverance. Thank you so much. I also pray for you,” he said in a post on X on Sunday. “Let us pray together for peace, especially in martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
