Did you know Pope Francis faced a life-threatening health crisis in 2025? Discover the details of his recovery journey and what it means for his papacy!
Pope Francis’s Health Crisis: A Life-Threatening Moment in 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, Pope Francis, now 88 years old, endured a severe breathing crisis while hospitalized in Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The incident, which occurred on February 28, 2025, left his medical team grappling with a critical decision: whether to continue treatment or let the pontiff go. According to his doctor, Sergio Alfieri, in an interview with Italy’s *Corriere della Sera*, the situation was dire. “It was terrible, we really thought we wouldn’t be able to save him,” Alfieri revealed, describing the moment when the pope inhaled vomit, exacerbating his condition.
The Medical Dilemma: A Fight for Survival
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital for nearly 40 days, battling a severe case of pneumonia that raised fears for his life. The crisis pushed his medical team to a crossroads. “We had to choose whether to stop and let him go, or force it and try all the drugs and therapies possible, running the very high risk of damaging other organs beyond his lungs,” Alfieri explained. Despite the risks, the decision was made to continue treatment, a choice driven by the pope’s personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who insisted, “Try everything, don’t give up.”
A Team That Never Gave Up
Throughout the ordeal, Pope Francis remained clear-headed but entrusted medical decisions to Strappetti, in whom he has complete confidence. Alfieri noted that the team’s determination paid off: “No one gave up.” After weeks of intensive care, the pope was discharged on Sunday, marking the end of the longest and most serious hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis’s Recovery: A Long Road Ahead
Upon leaving the hospital, Pope Francis appeared visibly tired and worn, a stark contrast to his usual vibrant presence. Doctors have prescribed at least two months of convalescence to ensure a full recovery. Since his discharge, the pope has been residing at the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican, where he has concelebrated mass and begun breathing and speech therapy to aid his recovery. However, the Vatican has limited his interactions, stating that he has received no visitors “apart from his closest associates.”
Therapy and Medical Support at Santa Marta
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis is undergoing therapy to “fully recover the ability to breathe and speak.” While details about the medical equipment at Santa Marta remain undisclosed, it’s known that the pope still uses a cannula—a plastic tube delivering high-flow oxygen through his nostrils—when needed. This ongoing support highlights the severity of his condition and the careful approach to his recovery.
Public Appearances on Hold
Due to his fragile health, Pope Francis will not preside over the weekly general audience on Wednesday. Additionally, the Vatican has indicated that Sunday’s Angelus prayer is likely to be published in written form rather than delivered aloud by the pope. No date has been set for his next public appearance, leaving many to wonder how this health crisis will impact his future engagements.
What This Means for the Future of Pope Francis’s Papacy
Pope Francis’s health crisis has sparked discussions about the future of his papacy. At 88 years old, the pontiff has already faced multiple health challenges during his tenure, but this recent episode has been the most severe. The Catholic Church and its followers are closely watching his recovery, as his leadership remains a cornerstone for millions worldwide. While the Vatican remains optimistic about his recovery, the extended convalescence period raises questions about how his duties may be adjusted in the coming months.
A New Chapter for Pope Francis: Health and Resilience
Pope Francis’s survival of this life-threatening health crisis in 2025 is a testament to the dedication of his medical team and his own resilience. As he embarks on a two-month recovery journey, the world waits to see how this experience will shape his papacy. Stay tuned for updates on his health and return to public life—share your thoughts in the comments below!
Via AFP
