Pope Francis's health took a harrowing turn during his recent hospitalization for pneumonia, as revealed by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of his medical team. The 88-year-old pontiff faced multiple serious respiratory crises that nearly cost him his life. “There was a real risk he might not make it,” Alfieri shared, detailing critical moments when doctors considered halting treatment to allow the Pope to die in peace, as reported by Reuters. The most severe incident occurred on February 28, when Francis nearly choked on his own vomit, leading to a breathing emergency.

During this dire time, Alfieri explained that the medical team faced an agonizing choice: to stop medical interventions, which carried the risk of immediate death, or continue aggressive treatments that could potentially harm his other organs. Guided by the Pope’s own wishes communicated through his personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, the team decided to push forward. “Try everything; don't give up,” Strappetti urged, echoing sentiments shared by the pontiff himself, who remained fully aware of his fragile state.

The pontiff’s hospitalization lasted 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he battled both double pneumonia and significant respiratory complications. Alfieri noted that the Pope was responsive and conscious, even amidst the grim realities of his condition. “For days, we were risking damage to his kidneys and bone marrow, but we went ahead, and his body responded to the drugs,” Alfieri remarked, reflecting on the extraordinary nature of the treatment process.

The Vatican provided detailed updates about Francis's health, revealing that he experienced four major respiratory crises. Each episode heightened concerns, with the medical team battling fear that the Pope might not survive. “It was terrible, we truly thought we were losing him,” said Alfieri.

The Pope made a public appearance after being discharged, embracing his role once again. “I saw him leave the room on the 10th floor of the Gemelli dressed in white. It was the emotion of seeing the man become again the pope,” said Alfieri, capturing the overwhelming complexity of the situation.

In light of Francis's wavering health, the Vatican has mandated a period of two months for recovery as he continues his healing process quietly in the Vatican, focusing on rest and rehabilitation. This health crisis not only highlights the pontiff's frailty but also his resilience, underscored by his spirit and the countless prayers offered for his recovery. “In this case, the whole world was praying…I can say that twice the situation was lost, and then it happened like a miracle,” affirmed Alfieri, signifying the incredible role that global support played in the Pope's battle for survival.

For further details, please refer to the original articles from HuffPost, CBS News, and India Times.