The final moments of Pope Francis were disclosed: The manner in which the physician became aware that he was deceased and his final regret

The head of Pope Francis’s medical team has disclosed new information regarding the pontiff’s final moments.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who supervised the Pope’s treatment for pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital earlier this year, stated in interviews published on Thursday that the 88-year-old passed away rapidly on the morning of Easter Monday.

Dr. Alfieri stated that Francis passed away without experiencing undue suffering and that medical intervention would not have been effective in his recovery.

He recalled receiving an urgent call at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Monday, which summoned him to the Vatican. Upon his arrival approximately 20 minutes later, he discovered the Pope to be conscious but unresponsive.

Dr. Alfieri disclosed to Corriere della Sera, “I entered his rooms, and he (Francis) had his eyes open.”

“I determined that there were no respiratory issues.” Subsequently, I attempted to address him by name; however, he did not respond.

Dr. Alfieri acknowledged the severity of the situation.

“At that instant, I was aware that there was nothing else to do.” He was unconscious.

Dr. Alfieri stated in a subsequent interview with La Repubblica that certain officials in attendance recommended that the Pope be promptly returned to Gemelli hospital. Nevertheless, it was determined that additional medical intervention would have been ineffective in light of the circumstances.

The physician stated, “He would have perished during the journey.”

“A CT scan would have provided us with a more precise diagnosis, but we would have received no additional information.” It was one of those strokes that transports you away within an hour.

Francis had been on the brink of death while battling pneumonia; however, his passing was unexpected.

Pope persisted in his endeavours.
After Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23 following a 38-day hospital stay, Alfieri and the pope’s other physicians had recommended a two-month period of leisure to facilitate the healing of his ageing body.

Francis, who was recognised for his ability to exert himself, continued to work diligently. He met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, and had visited a prison in Rome on April 17, Holy Thursday, to send well wishes to the inmates.

Dr. Alfieri stated that the pontiff adhered to the guidance of his physicians and refrained from exerting himself excessively.

“He (was) the pope,” the physician informed Corriere. “He was never in danger, and returning to work was a component of his treatment.”

He recounted the pope saying, “I am very well, I have started working again, and I like it.”

“We were aware that he desired to return home to be rehabilitated until the very last moment,” stated the physician. “He did not disappoint us.”

In the interview with Repubblica, Dr. Alfieri disclosed that Francis had disclosed one final regret to him.

Although he was pleased to have visited the prisoners on April 17, he regretted not being able to participate in a foot-washing ritual for the Church’s Holy Thursday commemoration.

The doctor expressed his regret at being unable to wash the captives’ feet.

“The final statement he made to me was, ‘I was unable to complete it this time.'”

The day before, he had arrived in an open-air popemobile in St. Peter’s Square to salute the enthusiastic crowds on Easter Sunday, which indicated that his recuperation was proceeding smoothly.