Pope’s doctor described his last moments before death

Surgeon Sergio Alfieriwho was known to the public during the recovery of Pope Francis due to double pneumonia at the Gemelli Roman hospital – he led a team engaged in his treatment – is for Italian Corriere della Sera described the last moments of the pope before death.

He said he had found him in Easter Monday in a coma with his eyes open, but he died quickly and did not suffer excessive pain.

Franciscan could not be resolved

His statements are summarized by both Italian and international press. Dr. Alfieri stated that Francis could not be resolved, and described his last moments as « one of those strokes that take you in an hour. »

After Corriere della Sera said he had been called on Monday at 5.30 and that he arrived in the Vatican 20 minutes later. « I entered the Franciscan premises, he had open eyes, » he stated. “I found that there were no breathing problems. I spoke his name, but he didn’t respond. He did not respond to stimuli, nor painful. At that moment, I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma. « 

Dr. Alfieri is in another conversation for Repubblic He also said that some suggested that they immediately transfer the Pope back to the hospital, but « die on the way, in the ambulance ».

“With a CT-based, we would get a more accurate diagnosis and nothing more. It was one of those strokes that take you away in one hour, « he is convinced.

Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Pope’s last regret

Dr. Alfieri also said that despite his duties, the Pope had followed the advice not to be overwhelmed. « His return to work was part of treatment and never exposed to any danger, » he said.

The doctor told the newspaper that he had previously seen the pope on Saturday when he gave him some pie he loved. At that time, Francis told him he was feeling very good and that he started working.

« We knew he wanted to return home and be the pope until the last moment, » said Dr. Alfieri. “Didn’t disappoint us.” For Repubblic He added that the Pope regretted that he could not wash his feet to the prisoners he visited in Roman prison on 17. April.

« This time I couldn’t do that – it was the last thing he told me, » the surgeon said.

The famous image of Francis’s grave

Today, the first photographs of the grave were also coming to the media and the public, which will be buried on Saturday by Francis. It is made of marble from Liguria, with only the name Franciscus and reproduction of his cross. The grave is located in the Church of Mary, between the chapels of Paolina (the name is after Pope Paul V. of the Borghese family, which is known by the icon of Salus populi novels) and Sforza (dedicated to the Cardinal from this family), near the altar dedicated to St. Francis.