By Charles Igwe
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the medical team that treated Pope Francis during his 38-day hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, has revealed that the Holy Father came dangerously close to death.
In an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, Alfieri described a critical moment when the medical team had to decide between continuing aggressive treatment or allowing the pope to pass away.
“We had to choose whether to stop and let him go or push it and try every drug and therapy possible, running the extremely high risk of damaging other organs,” Alfieri said.
The crisis occurred on February 28, when Pope Francis suffered a severe bronchospasm attack, leading to a sudden deterioration in his condition after days of moderate optimism. Although he remained conscious and cooperative, doctors were forced to place him on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask to assist his breathing.
“For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of some people who were close to him—people who truly love him, like a father,” Alfieri recounted. “We were all aware that the situation had worsened further and there was a risk that he might not make it.”
Despite concerns that intensive treatment could cause irreversible kidney and bone marrow damage, the medical team pressed on, encouraged by Pope Francis’ personal directive through his Vatican nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti: “Try everything, let’s not give up.”
The pope eventually responded to treatment, but his recovery took another dramatic turn when he suffered an episode of vomiting that caused gastric fluids to enter his lungs.
“We had just come out of the toughest period, and suddenly this happened,” Alfieri explained. “That was the second truly critical moment. If you don’t act quickly in such cases, there’s a risk of sudden death, not to mention lung complications, which were already his most compromised organs.”
Despite these life-threatening episodes, Pope Francis’ resilience, both physical and mental, played a crucial role in his survival. Alfieri described the Holy Father as a man with extraordinary endurance, noting that he has always maintained a disciplined approach to his well-being.
“In the past, when I asked him how he kept up with such a demanding schedule, he would say, ‘I have a method and rules.’ Beyond a very strong heart, he has incredible inner strength,” the doctor said.
Alfieri also credited prayers from the faithful worldwide as a factor in the pope’s recovery.
“There is scientific research that shows prayer strengthens the sick. In this case, the whole world was praying for him. Twice, the situation seemed lost, and then it happened like a miracle,” he stated.
Through it all, Pope Francis remained a cooperative patient, enduring all treatments without complaint. Now, as he continues his recovery at St. Martha’s House, his medical team remains cautious, ensuring he avoids any further health complications.
