The pontiff faced a critical health crisis in February at which time doctors were considering halting treatment, his physician has said
Pope Francis faced a life-threatening health crisis during his recent hospitalization at which time doctors considered stopping treatment to allow him to die peacefully, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the pontiff’s medical team.
On February 28, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church experienced severe difficulties breathing after inhaling vomit during a bronchospasm, leading to a “real risk he might not make it,” Dr. Alfieri told Corriere della Sera in an interview published on Tuesday.
Despite the risks of potential organ damage, the medical team decided to pursue aggressive treatment. “We had to choose if we would stop there and let him go, or to go forward and push it with all the drugs and therapies possible,” Alfieri, a physician at Rome’s Gemelli hospital explained.
The decision to continue treatment was heavily influenced by Pope Francis’ personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who urged the team to “try everything; don’t give up.”
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia. His condition was particularly concerning due to a history of lung issues, including the removal of part of one lung in his youth.
During his 38-day hospitalization, Pope Francis suffered multiple respiratory crises and required intensive medical intervention. On March 23, he was discharged and made his first public appearance since February 14, greeting well wishers from the hospital balcony. He has since returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
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