Pope Francis endured an exceptionally difficult medical trial during his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. For 38 days, he battled severe complications, repeatedly coming close to a fatal outcome. Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team that cared for him, reflects on these critical moments and the Holy Father's inner strength in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera.
February 28 will remain etched in the memory of the care team. After 14 days of hospitalization, the Pope's health suddenly deteriorated. Stricken by a violent bronchospasm, he was desperately short of air and murmured, fully aware of the gravity of the situation: "It's hard…" Around him, some had tears in their eyes, fearing the worst.
Faced with the emergency, the doctors found themselves at a decisive turning point: should they attempt everything at the risk of damaging other organs, or let him go? "It is always the Holy Father who decides," explains Professor Alfieri. But it was his personal assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, who had been delegated authority for all medical decisions. The response was immediate: "Try everything, we are not giving up."
Two Major Crises
After a fierce struggle, the care provided began to bear fruit. The risk of kidney and spinal cord damage gradually receded, and the lung infection finally subsided. But just as the medical team began to envision improvement, a new critical episode occurred.
While eating a meal, the Pope aspirated, inhaling food the wrong way. An extremely dangerous situation that can lead to sudden death, especially in a person already weakened by pulmonary complications. "We truly believed that this time, we were going to lose him," confides Alfieri.
Throughout this ordeal, the Holy Father remained lucid. He knew he was fighting for his survival. But his mindset and life discipline played a decisive role in his recovery. "He always said: 'I have a method and rules.' He possesses incredible inner strength, a solid heart, and an impressive capacity for recovery," emphasizes his doctor.
The prayers from around the world also played their part in this battle. "There are scientific studies that show prayer strengthens the sick. In this case, millions of people were praying for him. Twice, we thought it was over, and twice, he recovered. It was like a miracle," acknowledges Alfieri.
A Keen Mind Despite the Fatigue
If his body was tested by illness, his mind remains intact. "He has the head of a 50-year-old man," Alfieri remarks with amusement. As soon as he regained a little strength, he wanted to move around his ward, taking time to meet the gaze of other patients.
One evening, he even insisted on expressing his gratitude to the care team in his own way: he asked a collaborator to buy pizzas to offer to those who had assisted him that day.
Then, one morning, he asked the question that heralded his return: "I am still alive… When are we going home?" The next day, he was addressing the faithful from the hospital window. A symbolic gesture, a strong message: "I am back, and I am in full possession of my faculties."
A Monitored Convalescence
The doctors have recommended the Pope a cautious two-month convalescence. He must avoid crowds and limit contact, particularly with children, who may transmit infections. But as Alfieri reminds with a smile:
"He is the Pope, it is not for us to dictate his conduct."
The image that will remain etched in Professor Alfieri's memory? "Seeing him leave his room, dressed in white. It was the man becoming the Pope again."