Pope Francis' Last Breaths: A Glimpse into His Final Moments
Pope's Personal Physician Confirms Francis' Peaceful Demise at Home
In a poignant tribute, Pope Francis' personal physician, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, has shared his recollections of the dying Pope's last moments. Hospitalized due to a severe case of double pneumonia, the Pope passed away at home on April 21, 2025, surrounded by his healthcare team.
Dr. Alfieri, who coordinated the pontiff's five-week hospital treatment, received a frantic call from Francis' healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, at 5:30 a.m. on the day of his demise. Rushing to the Vatican, Alfieri arrived 20 minutes later to find the Pope semi-conscious, breathing with the help of oxygen, but unresponsive.
The physician explained his findings to the Milan daily Corriere della Sera, stating that Francis' lungs were clear, but he was not responding to any stimuli, even those that were intentionally painful. Realizing the futility of his efforts to revive the Pope, Alfieri chose to forgo moving Francis back to the Gemelli hospital where he had undergone treatment for a complex respiratory infection the previous year.
Two hours after falling ill, Francis passed away, having succumbed to a stroke. Alfieri confirmed the news to the Rome daily la Repubblica, adding that the Pope's final moments were peaceful, free of suffering.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived at the scene and led a rosary over the Pope's body, accompanied by the papal household staff. The physician shared a heartfelt farewell with the Pope, giving him a tender caress.
A Sorrowful California
Pope Francis was warmly received in the Los Angeles region, which mourns his demise profoundly. "We've lost a beloved figure who shared our values and brought excitement to the church," the community lamented.
The Pope's Medical Journey - A series of Setbacks and a Tenacious Fight for Life
In February 2025, Pope Francis suffered a life-threatening breathing crisis that required immediate medical intervention. His medical team briefly considered withdrawing treatment, opting instead for an aggressive treatment regime. The pontiff managed a farewell gesture to Strappetti before his health worsened.
Dr. Alfieri took up the role of the Pope's surgeon in 2021 following the Pope's surgery for diverticulitis. Despite the physician's attempts to regulate his diet, the Pope struggled with maintaining a healthy weight, owing to his sweet tooth.
In the hospital, the Pope endured numerous respiratory crises that necessitated urgent treatment. Despite these setbacks, the Pope tirelessly fought for his life, ultimately returning home to the Vatican on March 23, 2025, for rest and recuperation.
Regardless of the Pope's frail condition, he couldn't resist the urge to return to work and engage with his followers. His determination to fulfill his duties until his last breath was evident, as he made several public appearances before his death.
Resources
- Pope Francis' funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with public viewing to begin on Wednesday. Source
- Pope Francis delights the crowd with his popemobile escapade on Easter Sunday and meets Vice President Vance. Source
- A recovering Pope Francis visits Rome prison to honor his annual Holy Week appointment. Source
- Numerous Los Angeles residents were saddened by Pope Francis' passing, as they cherished his shared values and lively presence in the church.
- A war against chronic respiratory conditions plagued the Pope in his later years, culminating in his hospitalization and eventual demise.
- His recovery process was a testament to his spirited resolve, evidenced by the reality that he returned home from the hospital just weeks prior to his death.
- The Pope's life-threatening breathing crisis in February 2025 required an emergency response from his medical team.
- Theologians ponder whether Pope Francis' persistent efforts to engage with his followers until his last breath reveal a deeper connection with his personal values and spirituality.
- Chronic kidney disease, an underlying medical condition, critically contributed to the Pope's decline in health.
- Scientific advancements in medical-conditions treatments continue to save countless lives every day, as seen in the Pope's ability to survive a complex infection that had once seemed incurable.
- The Rams organization, based in Los Angeles, sends their sincere condolences to those affected by the Pope's death, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to health-and-wellness and a better world.
- The sudden deterioration of the Pope's cardiovascular health accelerated the timeline of his illness and demise.
- Pope Francis demonstrated remarkable mental-health resilience by stoically carrying on his duties despite the chronic neuprological disorders that afflicted him.
- The Pope, a beacon of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, inspired countless souls with his unparalleled dedication to spiritual guidance and leadership.
- News outlets dominated by general-news and crime-and-justice gave way to coverage on Pope Francis' demise, capturing the attention of global audiences.
- The Pope's unwavering commitment to fitness-and-exercise supported his efforts to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
- Many eye-health experts credit Pope Francis' active lifestyle for preserving his vision and minimizing age-related diseases.
- The Pope's unfortunate involvement in an accident that necessitated surgery for diverticulitis in 2021 serves as an unfortunate reminder of the fragility of our cardiovascular health.
