As Pope Francis fought for his life, there was a moment when the medical team contemplated discontinuing treatment and allowing the 88-year-old pontiff to die peacefully. During this critical period, Francis’ personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, intervened and urged the doctors to “exhaust all options and not lose hope.”
Pope Francis has encountered several health issues in recent years, but his recent struggle with double pneumonia brought him perilously close to death.
The leader of his medical team disclosed that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition deteriorated to such an extent that doctors contemplated ceasing treatment, believing it might be more compassionate to allow him to pass away peacefully.
Nevertheless, his personal nurse was determined not to surrender. Through his efforts, the Pope overcame the odds and achieved a recovery that many deemed improbable.
Five words that contributed to saving the Pope’s life
Pope Francis’ recent health crisis was among the most severe since he assumed the papacy in 2013. The 88-year-old pontiff spent 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital fighting a prolonged respiratory illness—his longest hospitalization during his papacy.
The most critical moment occurred on February 28, when Francis experienced a bronchospasm and inadvertently inhaled his own vomit, which left him gasping for breath.
“There was a genuine risk he might not survive,” stated lead surgeon Professor Sergio Alfieri in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. The medical team faced a challenging decision—whether to halt treatment and allow the Pope to die peacefully or to continue aggressive interventions, which posed a risk of organ damage.
At this crucial juncture, Pope Francis’ personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, made a pivotal decision. “Try everything; don’t give up,” he implored. These five words motivated the medical team to take action, prompting them to continue with intensive care.
Dr. Alfieri recounted, “For several days, we faced the risk of harming his kidneys and bone marrow, yet we proceeded, and fortunately, his body reacted positively to the medication, leading to an improvement in his lung infection.”
Additionally, it is important to note: Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs. What is the severity of his condition?
Who is Massimiliano Strappetti?
Massimiliano Strappetti, an experienced nurse at the Vatican, has been instrumental in overseeing Pope Francis’ health since 2022, when the pontiff designated him as his personal healthcare assistant following his recovery from an illness.
After undergoing colon surgery, Pope Francis remarked to Spanish COPE radio, “A nurse, a man with extensive experience, saved my life.”
Prior to his official appointment, Strappetti had already been providing counsel to the Pope. In February 2021, during Francis’ initial episode of diverticulitis, Strappetti recommended that he undergo medical examinations, as reported by La Repubblica. Together with the Pope’s other medical professionals, he advised surgery to avert further complications.
Since that time, Strappetti has consistently been by the Pope’s side, even joining him on international journeys. During the Pope’s visit to Canada, he was present as the pontiff made public appearances while using a wheelchair.
Now in his 50s, Strappetti has been part of the Vatican’s medical team since 2002. Prior to this, he spent eight years in the intensive care unit at Gemelli Hospital, the same institution where Pope Francis has received treatment on multiple occasions. He later became the coordinator for Vatican nurses and actively participated in a medical charity aimed at assisting the homeless, according to the Catholic news agency.
What lies ahead for Pope Francis?
After nearly five weeks of battling a severe case of double pneumonia, Pope Francis has been discharged from the hospital. His first public appearance in weeks brought a wave of relief and joy as he greeted the crowd from a balcony, waving and giving a thumbs-up.
Dr. Alfieri described the moment as profoundly emotional. “I witnessed him leave the room on the 10th floor of the Gemelli, dressed in white. It was a touching experience to see the man return to his role as Pope,” he remarked.
Now back at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis is continuing his recovery, receiving ongoing medical attention that includes physiotherapy for his breathing and voice, along with round-the-clock support from his healthcare team.
Additionally, there has been speculation regarding the possibility of Pope Francis resigning due to health issues, raising questions about any precedents for such a decision.
While he has gradually resumed some of his duties—such as signing documents and engaging in prayer—his schedule remains limited. A meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla of Britain, originally planned for next month, has been postponed.
On Tuesday, Buckingham Palace announced that the trip was “postponed by mutual agreement, as medical advice has indicated that Pope Francis would benefit from a longer period of rest and recovery.”
Although he has not led the Angelus prayer for seven consecutive Sundays, Pope Francis continues to share weekly reflections.
“Let us pray together for peace, especially in the war-torn regions of Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he posted on X.
