A doctor shares the emotional details of Pope Francis’ final moments before his passing at the age of 88, describing a heartbreaking scene.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after a prolonged battle with ill health.
His doctor, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, shared poignant details of the final moments of the beloved pontiff’s life.
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of his 12-year papacy, leaving the Catholic world in mourning.
Pope Francis’ health struggles in the months leading to his death
In the months leading to his death, Pope Francis suffered significant health challenges.
His struggles began with a respiratory infection and chronic bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia and mild kidney failure.
In February, he was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for urgent treatment.
Although he was discharged in March to rest at the Vatican, his health remained fragile.
Doctor’s harrowing account of Pope Francis’ last moments
On April 21, Dr. Alfieri was called to the Vatican at 5:30 a.m. by the pope’s health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti.
Upon arrival, Dr. Alfieri found Pope Francis unresponsive, though his eyes were open and his breathing seemed normal.
Despite attempts to rouse him, the pope did not respond to any stimuli, including painful ones.
At that moment, Dr. Alfieri knew that Pope Francis had entered a coma and that there was little hope for recovery.
“I went into his room, and he had his eyes open. I noted that he did not have respiratory issues, so I tried to call him but he did not respond,” Dr Alfieri was quoted as saying. “He also did not respond to stimuli, even painful ones.
“In that moment, I understood there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.”
The dcision not to move Pope Francis to the hospital
Dr. Alfieri explained that it would have been too risky to move the pope back to the Gemelli Hospital, where he had previously undergone treatment.
Additionally, Pope Francis had always expressed a desire to pass away at home rather than in a hospital setting.
“The pope wanted to die at home, he always said it while he was at Gemelli,” Dr Alfieri said.
The decision was made to respect his wishes, and shortly after, he suffered a stroke and passed away two hours later.
A final goodbye from Dr. Alfieri and Cardinal Parolin
As Pope Francis’ condition worsened, Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived at the Vatican.
The cardinal said the rosary over the pontiff’s body, supported by the papal household staff.
Dr. Alfieri, who had cared for the pope throughout his illness, offered a final farewell, touching the pope’s hand in an emotional moment.
“I gave him a caress, as a farewell,” the doctor said.
Despite his deteriorating condition, those who were present reported that Pope Francis appeared to suffer little.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, in a state funeral that will be broadcast globally. His wishes for a simple tombstone, without mention of his papacy, have been honored.
This reflects his humble nature, as he requested that his legacy be remembered for his service rather than his title as the leader of the Catholic Church.