Pope Francis, aged 88, experienced severe pneumonia that led to life-threatening complications during over five weeks in Rome's Gemelli hospital. His medical team, led by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, had to make a critical decision to either cease treatment or aggressively pursue recovery at the risk of further damage. The pontiff demonstrated a strong desire to understand his condition and encouraged his doctors to do everything possible. Despite facing multiple respiratory crises, including episodes of choking, he ultimately improved and was able to leave the hospital, showcasing his resilience and the dedication of his care team.
We had to choose whether to stop treatment and let him go, or push forward and try to save him with all the drugs and therapies possible.
The pontiff was fully aware that he might not make it through the night. We saw a man who was suffering.
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