Rome, Italy, Mar 26, (V7N) – Pope Francis was so critically ill during his recent hospital stay that doctors considered stopping treatment to allow him to pass away peacefully, according to Sergio Alfieri, the head of the medical team treating the pontiff.
 
In an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera published on Tuesday, Alfieri explained that February 28 marked the "worst night" of the pope's five-week hospitalization. The pope's condition worsened suddenly, and he nearly choked on his own vomit. At that moment, the medical team recognized the risk of his death. Despite his grave condition, Pope Francis remained conscious and was aware of how serious the situation had become.
 
Alfieri described the emotional atmosphere that night, saying, "For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of some of the people around him. People who, I understood during this period of hospitalization, sincerely love him, like a father."
 
The team debated whether to stop treatment and allow the pope to pass or to continue trying every possible therapy. However, Pope Francis left the decision in the hands of his personal health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, who instructed the team to "try everything, don't give up."
 
Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday, with a positive outlook and a recommendation to rest for at least two months as he continues to recover. Before leaving, the pope thanked the medical staff and waved to a crowd of supporters gathered outside the hospital.
 
Alfieri recalled the emotional moment when the pope appeared on the hospital balcony, dressed in white, a gesture that symbolized the pope's resilience. "It was the emotion of seeing the man become the pope again," Alfieri said.
 
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after battling bronchitis and experiencing severe breathing difficulties. During his hospitalization, Pope Francis suffered from multiple episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" and underwent procedures to clear his air passages. He was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and mild renal insufficiency but appeared to have overcome these issues.
 
The Vatican has confirmed that the pope is now in stable condition and continues his recovery.
 
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