Doctor recalls Pope Francis’ final moments and the heartbreaking regret he left behind

Dr Sergio Alfieri, the doctor in charge of Pope Francis’ care in the final months of his life, has recalled the religious leader’s final moments and the one regret he shared before his death.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Farrell announced on Monday. “He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Pope Francis had been battling several health complications in recent months, including a bout of pneumonia, and now his doctor has recalled those final few moments and how nothing could be done.

“I entered his rooms and he [Pope Francis] had his eyes open,” Dr Alfieri told Italian publication Corriere della Sera. “I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me. In that moment, I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.”

In another interview with La Repubblica, the doctor noted how some Vatican officials suggested moving him to Gemelli hospital, where he could undergo more tests. Unfortunately, the doctor knew it would be fruitless.

“He would have died on the way,” he explained. “Doing a CT scan, we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more. It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away.”

The doctor revealed Pope Francis’ final regret

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When Pope Francis returned to the Vatican in late March following his initial health scare, Dr Alfieri urged him to take two months’ rest to better recover from the pneumonia.

“He [was] the pope,” the doctor told Corriere. “Going back to work was part of his treatment, and he was never exposed to danger.”

He was reportedly always a hard worker and did what he could during April to continue his duties. This included visiting a prison in Rome and attending a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, but there was one thing he didn’t get to do. Dr Sergio Alfieri recalled how the late Pope really wanted to perform the foot-washing ritual for the Church’s celebration of Holy Thursday.

Pope Francis’ funeral is set to be attended by thousands on Saturday, though new rules have been put in place.

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Featured image credit: The Vatican