Doctors faced life-or-death choice for Pope Francis amid breathing crisis

The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital with a prolonged respiratory illness, spending 38 days under medical care - the longest hospital stay since his election in 2013.

According to lead surgeon Professor Sergio Alfieri, the most dangerous moment occurred on February 28, when Francis inhaled his own vomit and struggled to breathe.

"We had to choose whether to stop and let him go or fight with every drug and therapy available, risking damage to other organs. In the end, we took that path," Alfieri told Corriere della Sera.

He added that the decision was ultimately made by the pope’s nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who said, "Try everything, we won’t give up. That’s what we all thought too. And no one gave up."

Recovery and gradual return to duties

Throughout his hospital stay, the Vatican released unusually detailed updates about the pope’s condition. Alfieri said that was Francis’ own request: "From the first day, he asked us to tell him the truth and share it with others… nothing was ever changed or omitted."

Pope Francis’ doctor says death was considered during recent health crisis (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)

Francis has now returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he continues treatment, including physiotherapy for breathing and voice recovery, along with 24-hour medical support. According to the Vatican, he is slowly resuming his responsibilities, signing documents and engaging in prayer.

Although he has not led the Angelus prayer for seven consecutive Sundays, Francis continues to offer weekly reflections.

"Let us pray together for peace, especially in martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo," he wrote on X.