Pope Francis faced a grave medical emergency during his 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, with doctors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital considering whether to end treatment as his condition worsened. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the pope’s medical team, Francis’ situation became critical on February 28 when he nearly choked on his vomit, raising fears he might not survive.
“There was a real risk he might not make it,” Alfieri told Corriere della Sera.
Thus, the medical team faced an agonizing choice:
To stop aggressive treatment and allow the 88-year-old pontiff to die peacefully or continue with high-risk therapies, risking organ damage to his kidneys and bone marrow
Ultimately, the pope’s personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, urged them: “Try everything; don’t give up.” The team proceeded, and Francis’ body responded positively to the intensive care.
The Pope’s History of Lung Problems
Francis’ battle was complicated by his prior lung condition—he had
pleurisy as a young adult and part of one lung removed. His double pneumonia was especially dangerous, leading to
four severe respiratory crises, including coughing fits similar to asthma attacks.
The Vatican provided unusually detailed updates during his hospitalization, acknowledging two episodes where his life was in “critical danger.”
Pope Francis’s Recovery and Ongoing Rest
After being discharged on Sunday, Pope Francis has been prescribed two months of rest to fully recover. His first public appearance—greeting crowds from a hospital balcony—was a turning point.
“It was the emotion of seeing the man become again the pope,” said Alfieri.
While his recovery progresses, it remains unclear how much the Pope will appear in public in the coming weeks. His resilience has drawn global attention, especially as it’s the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
