VATICAN (SE): Pope Francis returned to his residence at Santa Marta after a harrowing 38-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he battled a severe case of double pneumonia.
His doctors have prescribed at least two months of rest and careful convalescence, during which he will be closely monitored and continue treatment through a combination of medication, respiratory therapy, and physiotherapy.
According to Vatican sources, the pope, now 88-years-old, was eager to be back home and celebrated Mass in his private chapel upon his return.
However, details of his hospitalisation, revealed in an exclusive interview with Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the coordinator of his medical team, have shed light on the severity of his condition and how close he came to death.
In an interview published by Corriere della Sera, Dr. Alfieri disclosed that Pope Francis faced two life-threatening moments during his hospital stay. The first occurred on February 22, when the Pope suffered a severe bronchial spasm, leaving him gasping for air and in urgent need of medical intervention.
For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of those around him—people who genuinely love him like a father. We all knew the situation had worsened, and there was a real risk he would not make it
Dr. Alfieri
“It was the worst moment. It was ugly,” Dr. Alfieri recounted. “For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of those around him—people who genuinely love him like a father. We all knew the situation had worsened, and there was a real risk he would not make it.”
The medical team faced a difficult decision: whether to stop treatment and let nature take its course or to pursue aggressive interventions that carried significant risks. “We had to choose whether to stop and let him go, or to force and try all possible drugs and therapies, running the very high risk of damaging other organs,” said Dr. Alfieri. “And in the end, we took this path.”
Despite the grim outlook, Pope Francis remained fully aware of his condition. “Yes, he knew he was at risk of dying. Even when his health worsened, he was always conscious. That night was terrible—he knew, as we did, that he might not make it through,” Dr. Alfieri revealed.
A second crisis struck just as the pope was beginning to recover. While eating, he experienced regurgitation and inhaled, leading to another emergency. “It was a second really critical moment because, if not promptly treated, there was a risk of sudden death,” Dr. Alfieri said.
He often said, ‘I am still alive,’ and reminded those around him to live with good humour
Dr. Alfieri
Throughout his ordeal, Pope Francis maintained his characteristic humour and resilience. “He often said, ‘I am still alive,’ and reminded those around him to live with good humour,” Dr. Alfieri recalled. Even in the hospital, he insisted on visiting other patients, engaging with them as he moved around in a wheelchair.
Gerard O’Connell, Vatican correspondent for America Magazine, noted that the pope’s survival was seen by many as almost miraculous. “The whole world started to pray for him. I can say that on two occasions the situation seemed lost, and then it happened like a miracle,” Dr. Alfieri remarked.
For now, Vatican officials emphasise the need for rest and limited public engagements. Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, stated, “Now he will need to convalesce, to be calm and not be too disturbed.” Pope Francis is expected to temporarily step back from major events, including the upcoming Jubilee commitments.
Despite his frail health, Dr. Alfieri confirmed that pope mind remains sharp. “He has a tired physique, but the head is that of a 50-year-old.”
As the Catholic world prays for his recovery, Pope Francis’ resilience and unwavering faith remain an inspiration to millions.
