The spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Francis, faced two life-threatening episodes while hospitalized for 38 days with bilateral pneumonia. The day Pope experienced a respiratory crisis and choked on his own vomit while eating were considered the two most critical moments when he was closest to death.

Professor Sergio Alfieri, the doctor of 88-year-old Pope Francis receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, spoke to the Italian press. In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Alfieri stated that the most critical moment was on February 28 when Pope experienced a respiratory crisis and inhaled his vomit.

HE WAS ALLOWED TO DIE

Alfieri emphasized that in such a situation, they had the options to either “terminate treatment and allow him to pass or continue treatment by risking harm to other organs and using all possible medications and therapies.” The Chief Physician mentioned that the final decision was made by the Pope himself, opting to strengthen the treatment.

“TRY EVERYTHING, DO NOT GIVE UP” Alfieri stated, “The decision always belongs to the Pope. He said, ‘Try everything, do not give up.’ We also had the same thought and nobody gave up.” Highlighting that Pope remained fully conscious even when his condition deteriorated, Alfieri said, “That night was terrible. Like us, he knew he might not get through that night. We saw him suffering and from day one, he asked us to tell him the truth.”

CHOKED ON VOMIT WHILE EATING Alfieri recalled that Pope had faced two life-threatening situations during this period, saying, “While we were going through a challenging period, Pope was at risk of choking on his vomit while eating. It was the second critical moment because if not intervened promptly during such times, you are faced with the risk of sudden death in addition to existing complications in the already vulnerable lungs.” Pope Francis returned to his residence in the Vatican on March 23, entering a recovery process expected to last about two months.