On March 28, 2025, it was disclosed by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the chief surgeon at Rome's Agostino Gemelli hospital, that there were moments when Pope Francis' condition appeared dire. The pope himself acknowledged the severity of his health following a distressing breathing crisis, during which his condition forced him to confront the possibility of death. His oxygen levels plummeted dramatically to a critical 78% while undergoing treatment, eliciting a heartfelt response from those close to him.
Francis faced treatment decisions head-on, notably rejecting intubation, a procedure that would have put him in a medically induced coma. Instead, his medical team opted for a stringent medication regimen to combat a severe pneumonia infection affecting both of his lungs, despite potential risks.
As the pope's condition fluctuated, moments of hope turned into despair. After having his airway cleared following a choking incident, uncertainties loomed over his recovery. Doctors acted swiftly but were concerned that intervention might exacerbate his lung infection.
However, a twist of fate was in store. On Sunday, Dr. Alfieri announced the remarkable news that Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital—healthy enough to return to the Vatican. He counseled the pontiff to prioritize rest and recovery, emphasizing the precious opportunity for healing he had been granted.
Dr. Alfieri expressed profound gratitude, citing the discharge as nothing short of miraculous, and reassured the world that the pope was no longer in danger. Pope Francis’ experience serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for one of the world's most recognized leaders.
Francis faced treatment decisions head-on, notably rejecting intubation, a procedure that would have put him in a medically induced coma. Instead, his medical team opted for a stringent medication regimen to combat a severe pneumonia infection affecting both of his lungs, despite potential risks.
As the pope's condition fluctuated, moments of hope turned into despair. After having his airway cleared following a choking incident, uncertainties loomed over his recovery. Doctors acted swiftly but were concerned that intervention might exacerbate his lung infection.
However, a twist of fate was in store. On Sunday, Dr. Alfieri announced the remarkable news that Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital—healthy enough to return to the Vatican. He counseled the pontiff to prioritize rest and recovery, emphasizing the precious opportunity for healing he had been granted.
Dr. Alfieri expressed profound gratitude, citing the discharge as nothing short of miraculous, and reassured the world that the pope was no longer in danger. Pope Francis’ experience serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for one of the world's most recognized leaders.
