Poised between life and death, Pope Francis confronted a grave health crisis that saw the world holding its breath. The 88-year-old pontiff spent over five weeks at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he battled a severe respiratory illness and underwent life-saving treatments.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team overseeing the Pope's health, recounted the most critical moments, particularly on February 28, 2025. It was then that Pope Francis experienced alarming bronchospasms and significant shortness of breath after being hospitalized for 14 days.
"That was the worst moment," Alfieri stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera. "For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of the people who treated him. We all knew that the situation had worsened and that he might not survive the night." The doctor's somber words painted a vivid picture of the dire circumstances facing the Vatican leader.
Amidst the turmoil, the Pope remained lucid and steadfast, urging his medical team to explore every possible intervention. "He asked his staff to do everything possible and not give up," Dr. Alfieri revealed. At one point, the medical team faced a harrowing decision: they had to consider whether to cease treatment or to continue aggressive therapy, which posed high risks of further organ damage. Ultimately, they resolved to pursue every avenue available.
After stabilizing, Pope Francis faced yet another significant challenge when he experienced vomiting while eating. It was crucial, he insisted, that updates on his condition reflected the reality of his health crisis. "He wanted it to be said that he had vomited," Alfieri noted, underlining the Pontiff's desire for transparency as he navigated his health challenges.
On March 23, 2025, Pope Francis was released from the hospital, returning to his residence at Santa Marta in the Vatican after nearly six weeks of treatment. However, the road to recovery remains long. Dr. Alfieri confirmed the Pope would require continued medication and physiotherapy for several weeks.
Luigi Carbone, Vice-Rector of the Vatican's health services, is charged with overseeing the Pope's recovery at home. Speculations regarding the Pope’s potential retirement have arisen, as many await details on the plans for the church in the post-Francis era.
During his hospitalization, Pope Francis battled a bronchitis infection that spiraled into bilateral pneumonia. He suffered several severe respiratory crises during his stay and even required a blood transfusion. "The pneumonia damaged his lungs and strained his respiratory muscles," Dr. Alfieri explained, underscoring the extent of the Pope's ailments.
Despite these health setbacks, the Pope has remained engaged with his diminutive audience. He is reportedly capable of celebrating mass in the small chapel of his guest house, even while receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula as needed.
However, the Vatican has announced that the Pope will not fulfill his usual obligations during the two-month recovery period. This includes the weekly general audience, which will instead be addressed through a written catechesis shared with the faithful. Similar adjustments will likely be in place for the Sunday Angelus prayer.
Pope Francis's health concerns have posed significant challenges for the Vatican and sparked prayerful support from adherents worldwide. In a poignant moment, after his hospital stay, he appeared on a balcony to thank those who had prayed for him, expressing gratitude in a visibly weak but heartfelt voice.
As treatment continues and recovery unfolds, the health of Pope Francis remains a pressing issue, captivating the attention of the global community while emphasizing the fragility of health, especially in the elderly. While he has emerged from a critical condition, the journey ahead necessitates patience and support from his followers as he gradually regains strength.
