According to a newly released interview report, Pope Francis' medical team briefly considered halting treatment during the sudden respiratory distress crisis he experienced on February 28. Ultimately, however, they decided to pursue an aggressive treatment plan, despite the potential risks to the Pope's other organs. This decision highlights the gravity of the situation and the difficult choices the medical team faced.
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03-26, 2025Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the physician in charge of coordinating the Pope's hospitalization, stated that the 88-year-old Pontiff and those around him understood that "he might not make it through the night" after suffering a bronchospasm and aspirating vomit. The severity of the Pope's condition was a significant concern for everyone involved.
“We had to choose whether to stop treatment and let him go, or to go all out, trying all possible drugs and treatments, while taking the very high risk of damaging other organs," Alfieri said in an interview with Milan's *Corriere della Sera*. "In the end, we chose the latter." This decision demonstrates the medical team's commitment to saving the Pope's life, even with the associated risks.
Pope Francis was discharged on Sunday after receiving 38 days of treatment for bilateral pneumonia. Doctors have advised him to take a two-month period of convalescence, during which he should avoid large gatherings. Before his discharge, the Pope appeared frail and gaunt as he greeted crowds outside Gemelli Hospital. His recovery will require careful monitoring and rest.
The Vatican has not yet indicated whether the Pope will participate in any Holy Week activities before Easter on April 20. Plans for the Pope to meet with King Charles III of the United Kingdom at the Vatican next month were postponed by mutual agreement on Tuesday to allow the Pope to rest. This postponement reflects the need for the Pope to prioritize his health and recovery.
Alfieri stated that Pope Francis was "always lucid" during the critical moments of February 28, and that his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, "knew the Pope's wishes very well," urging them to "try everything, don't give up." The Pope's clear mind and strong will played a crucial role in the treatment process.
Alfieri acknowledged that the treatment could potentially damage the Pope's kidneys and bone marrow, "but we persisted, and his body responded to the treatment, and the lung infection improved." The medical bulletin that evening stated that the Pope suffered such a severe bronchospasm that he aspirated vomit, "worsening his respiratory condition." Doctors used non-invasive suction to clear his airways. The prompt and decisive action of the medical team was essential.
Three days later, in a second life-threatening crisis, the Pope suffered two acute bronchospasm attacks. Doctors used a camera tube with equipment to clear mucus plugs that were producing large amounts of secretions. The bulletin emphasized that the Pope was "always alert, oriented, and cooperative." The Pope's continued cooperation with the medical team was vital for his recovery.
Alfieri stated that he believes prayers for the Pope helped him survive, a point the doctor said is supported by scientific literature. "In this case, the whole world was praying. I can say that the situation twice went out of control, and then it happened like a miracle," the doctor added, "Of course, he is a very cooperative patient." The combination of medical intervention, prayer, and the Pope's own resilience contributed to his survival.
