In a recent interview, the medical expert overseeing Pope Francis’ hospital care shared insights into the serious health crisis the pontiff faced on February 28. The medical team contemplated pausing treatment after the 88-year-old Pope experienced a severe breathing issue, but ultimately chose an intensive approach despite potential risks to his organs.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed that the Pope, along with those close to him, recognized the gravity of the situation, as there was an acknowledgment that he might not make it through the night following a bronchospasm incident where the Pope aspirated vomit. Alfieri recounted the critical decision they faced: “We needed to choose whether to stop and let him go, or to push it and attempt with all of the possible drugs and treatments, taking the very high risk of damaging other organs.” Eventually, the team chose to proceed with aggressive treatment.
After enduring 38 days of hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis was discharged this past Sunday. However, he has been advised by doctors to maintain a two-month recovery period, during which participation in major public gatherings should be avoided. Despite appearing frail, the Pope made a brief appearance to greet well-wishers gathered outside Gemelli hospital before he left.
The Vatican has announced uncertainty regarding the Pope’s ability to participate in upcoming events, including a scheduled meeting with King Charles III and various Holy Week activities prior to Easter on April 20.
During the February 28 crisis, Dr. Alfieri mentioned that Pope Francis was fully conscious and that Massimiliano Strappetti, the Pope’s healthcare aide who is well-acquainted with his wishes, advocated for extensive measures to be employed without giving up. Despite the risk to the Pope’s kidneys and bone marrow, they proceeded with treatment, leading to improvements in his lung infection.
The medical bulletin that night indicated that the Pope suffered from a bronchospasm so intense that it led to vomit inhalation, worsening his respiratory issues. Physicians utilized a non-invasive aspiration technique to clear his airways. Three days afterward, the Pope encountered another critical period, experiencing two acute episodes of bronchospasm. Doctors intervened using a camera tube to extract mucus plugs, resulting in the removal of substantial secretions. The Pope was reportedly “always alert, oriented, and cooperative” during these events.
Dr. Alfieri expressed his belief that the global prayers for Pope Francis played a vital role in his recovery, a notion he claims is supported by scientific studies. Reflecting on the narrow escapes, he remarked, “In this case, the whole world was praying. I can say that twice the situation was lost, and then it happened like a miracle,” while emphasizing the Pope’s collaboration in his healthcare journey.