Pope Francis was very close to death and told the hospital staff that “it’s bad” as they fought to save his life, revealed a doctor involved in his treatment.
The 88-year-old, who is scheduled to meet with King Charles and Camilla next month when they visit Italy, was released from the hospital last Sunday after five weeks of battling double pneumonia.
Doctors have warned that it will take at least two months for him to fully recover, casting doubt on his busy Easter schedule as well as his upcoming meeting with the royal couple.
In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Professor Sergio Alfieri, who was part of the hospital team treating the Pope, shared rare details about his care.
Alfieri said, “The worst night was on February 28. He whispered, ‘I’m bad.’ Those around him had tears in their eyes. For the first time, I saw tears in the eyes of some of the people around him. People who, during this hospitalization, I realized sincerely love him, like a father. We were all aware that the situation had worsened further, and there was a risk that he might not make it.”
