Pope Francis Survives Near-Fatal Hospitalization, Doctors Call It a Miracle

Pope Francis, hospitalized for 38 days due to severe pneumonia, has defied medical expectations by returning to the Vatican, as doctors advise a long period of recovery.

Pope Francis's medical team has described his survival from a recent, near-fatal health crisis as miraculous. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the chief surgeon at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, revealed that the 88-year-old pontiff faced life-threatening complications during his month-long hospitalization.

The situation grew dire last month when Pope Francis experienced a breathing crisis, causing his oxygen levels to plummet to a dangerously low 78%. In a vulnerable moment, he acknowledged to his doctor that he could die, refusing intubation, which would have put him into unconsciousness. Instead, doctors opted for an aggressive treatment approach, risking potential damage to his organs.

Tears were shed by the pope's aides as they witnessed the gravity of the situation and the decisions being made regarding his care. Ultimately, the treatment began to show positive effects, allowing the pontiff to slowly regain his strength.

However, the road to recovery was fraught with challenges; just days later, he regurgitated food and faced a choking incident that left his medical team in a state of alarm. Swift action was taken to clear his airway, but concerns remained over his severely infected lungs.

After 38 long days in the hospital, Pope Francis was discharged and returned to the Vatican, where Dr. Alfieri emphasized the importance of rest in his recovery process. "It was a miracle that he left the hospital," he stated, reassuring the public that the pope was no longer in immediate danger, but strongly recommending that he change his vigorous lifestyle for the time being to ensure complete recovery.