Pope Francis' final moments were recounted by his personal doctor, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, shedding light on the emotional and poignant last hours of the beloved pontiff. The doctor shared his experiences in two separate interviews with Italian newspapers, revealing that while Pope Francis was unresponsive, his death came peacefully, surrounded by his team and loved ones.
Dr. Alfieri had been closely involved with the pope’s health for several years, playing a significant role in his recovery from a complex double pneumonia and a challenging respiratory infection that had nearly claimed his life on two separate occasions. The doctor was first alerted to the pontiff’s decline early Monday morning at around 5:30 a.m. by Massimiliano Strappetti, Francis’ health care assistant. Just 20 minutes after the call, Alfieri arrived at the Vatican to find the pope in critical condition.
Entering the room, Dr. Alfieri noted that Pope Francis' eyes were open, but his breathing was aided by oxygen. “I noticed he had no respiratory distress, so I tried to call out to him, but there was no response,” Alfieri said, as quoted by Corriere della Sera. His lungs were clear, and there was no indication of immediate danger from a respiratory standpoint. However, when the doctor attempted to rouse the pontiff, even with painful stimuli, there was no response. At that moment, Alfieri knew that Pope Francis was in a coma, and there was nothing more medically that could be done. The pope's condition had tragically worsened after suffering a stroke.
In those quiet and intense moments, Alfieri realized the situation was dire. He made the difficult decision that moving the pope back to the Gemelli hospital, where he had been treated for his past illnesses, would be too risky. Two hours later, Pope Francis passed away at the Vatican, quietly and without suffering, surrounded by his staff and loved ones.
“He died without suffering, at home,” Alfieri assured the La Repubblica newspaper, offering comfort to those mourning the loss of the beloved pontiff. The serenity with which the pope passed away, without enduring pain, gave those around him some solace in such a heartbreaking moment.
After the pope’s passing, Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived at the scene and led a solemn rosary service over the pope’s body, with members of the papal household standing by. Dr. Alfieri shared a personal moment with the pope, recalling that he gently caressed him as a final farewell, a gesture of warmth and respect for the man who had been more than a patient to him.
A Legacy of Health Struggles and Warmth
Dr. Alfieri’s connection with Pope Francis was far from clinical alone. Their bond grew stronger over time, especially when Alfieri became involved in the pope’s treatment for diverticulitis in 2021. As the pope recovered from his surgery, Alfieri became an integral part of his health journey, advising on diet and lifestyle adjustments. Despite Pope Francis' fondness for midnight snacks—often indulging his sweet tooth with a treat or two from the kitchen at Santa Marta—the two would laugh together, with Alfieri sometimes coming off as too strict in his dietary suggestions. “He always reminded me to live with irony,” Alfieri recalled, reflecting on the pope’s lighthearted approach to life’s challenges.
Through their time together, Alfieri witnessed Pope Francis face a series of severe health crises, including multiple respiratory failures, which required swift intervention. With each new challenge, Alfieri and his team were acutely aware that the pope’s health would never fully return to its former state, and his lungs bore the scars of those infections. However, the pope's resilience remained unwavering.
Still, there were moments of improvement. Alfieri noted that after intense physical therapy, Pope Francis had shown significant progress. The last time Alfieri saw him, just days before his death, he was in good shape—far better than the doctor had anticipated given the circumstances. “I didn’t think it would be the last meeting,” Alfieri admitted, reflecting on that final, unexpected visit.
Though Pope Francis was ordered to rest for two months after his hospital stay, the pope’s relentless drive to serve never waned. He longed to return to his work at the Vatican, and Alfieri understood that this desire to be active was part of the healing process. "Going back to work was part of his treatment," Alfieri shared, acknowledging that while the pope's doctors were cautious, they also respected his need to return to his duties. Francis did so cautiously, avoiding crowds but still maintaining a presence as much as possible.
In fact, just weeks before his passing, Pope Francis was seen in St. Peter’s Square during the Easter celebrations. Despite his health struggles, he insisted on making a public appearance, riding through the crowd in the pope mobile and blessing children along the way. It was a testament to his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader, right up until the very end.
He even made arrangements for the health care workers at Gemelli Hospital to visit the Vatican before Easter, despite Alfieri’s advice to wait until after his convalescence period had concluded in June. It seemed the pope had a deep sense of urgency in accomplishing the tasks he felt were necessary before his passing.
A Farewell to the People
Reflecting on the pope’s final days, Dr. Alfieri shared that he had a clear sense of the pope’s intention to remain active until the very end. "I have the clear sensation now that there were a series of things he felt he had to do before dying,” Alfieri said. Despite his declining health, Pope Francis never lost sight of his duty to the Church and the people. “We knew he wanted to return home to be pope until the last instant, and he didn’t disappoint us,” Alfieri said, his words capturing the pope’s deep sense of purpose and dedication.
The loss of Pope Francis is a poignant reminder of the human side of the pontiff. His final moments were a blend of medical precision, personal connection, and deep spiritual fulfillment. He passed away as he had lived—dedicated, focused, and loving until the very end. His legacy, both in his faith and his resilience, will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.
The world has lost a beloved leader, but Pope Francis’ commitment to his faith and his people remains a shining example of service and sacrifice. His story, filled with health struggles, humor, and boundless devotion, will be remembered as one of the most impactful papacies in modern history.
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