As the world rejoices in the successful discharge of Pope Francis following an extended hospitalization, insights from his medical team reveal a critical moment when they considered halting treatment. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the lead physician at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, disclosed this information during an interview with Corriere della Sera, published on March 25, 2025.
Medical Emergency and Treatment Choices
Pope Francis experienced a bronchospasm attack on February 28, which resulted in him inhaling vomit. This condition, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic, occurs when airway muscles tighten, which can lead to severe respiratory issues like shortness of breath and wheezing. The urgency of the situation led the Pope’s medical team to a pivotal decision point.
Dr. Alfieri indicated that the severity of the incident brought fears for the Pope’s survival that night. In an interview with the Associated Press, he elaborated on the weight of the 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 the treatments, taking the very high risk of damaging other organs. In the end, that (latter) is the path we chose.”
The Vatican further noted that Pope Francis himself played a crucial role in this decision-making process regarding his treatment plan.
Commitment to Transparency
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of transparency throughout his treatment. Dr. Alfieri shared that the Pontiff requested honesty about his health status from the beginning. As People magazine quotes:
“From the first day, he asked us to tell him the truth and he wanted us to tell the truth about his condition. Nothing was ever modified or omitted.”
Dr. Alfieri praised the Pope for being a cooperative patient, remaining alert even during his breathing crisis, which required doctors to perform non-invasive procedures to clear his airways.
Remarkably, just three days later, the Pope suffered two additional acute bronchospasm episodes. Reflecting on this turbulent period, Alfieri 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.”
Recovery and Future Plans
Last month, the Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory infection, which was later identified as pneumonia affecting both lungs. Following a 38-day hospital stay, Vatican officials announced on March 23 that he had been discharged, although he will require time to fully recuperate.
The Pope’s recovery plan includes a two-month convalescence, during which he is advised to seek adequate rest, professional medical care, and rehabilitation. Additionally, he has been counseled to avoid large gatherings and meetings for the time being.
As reported by the Associated Press, there has been no official comment from the Vatican regarding Pope Francis’s participation in upcoming activities for Holy Week, which leads up to Easter on April 20. In light of these developments, Buckingham Palace has postponed King Charles III’s meeting with the Pope to allow him ample time to rest.
Currently, Vatican officials confirm that Pope Francis continues to engage in treatment, physical therapy, and is participating in Mass at the chapel located on the second floor of his residence, Casa Santa Marta.
For further details, you can read more about this situation in the article from Sportskeeda.