Sergio Alfieri, Pope Francis’ doctor at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, disclosed in an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper that Pope Francis was aware his recent hospitalization could have resulted in his death.
On February 28, Pope Francis suffered a severe bronchospasm, causing a drop in his oxygen levels. Alfieri described the episode as the worst during the Pope’s 5-week hospital stay. Complications arose when the Pope inhaled his own vomit, leading doctors to place him on mechanical ventilation for the first time.
“We were all aware … there was a risk he might not make it,” Alfieri said.
Thereafter, a decision had to be made to either stop treatment or to pursue every available option despite risks to other organs. The Pope personally opted for aggressive treatment, instructing them to try everything and not give up.
Throughout, Pope Francis remained fully conscious and asked his doctors to always be honest about his condition. Alfieri credited Pope Francis’ recovery in part to the global prayers offered, saying it occurred like “a miracle.”
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23rd after 38 days of hospitalization. He was prescribed two months of rest to regain his strength.
Please continue to pray for the health of Pope Francis and his intentions!
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