Overview

• Pope Francis, 88, experienced a severe respiratory crisis on February 28, including a bronchospasm and aspiration, during treatment for bilateral pneumonia.
• His medical team considered halting treatment due to risks of organ damage but ultimately decided to proceed after a decisive call by his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti.
• The Pope was hospitalized for over five weeks at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and discharged on March 23; he remains under medical care at Casa Santa Marta.
• Doctors have prescribed respiratory therapy and advised against public engagements for at least two months, raising questions about his participation in Easter celebrations.
• Despite his physical frailty, his mental sharpness remains intact, and he expressed gratitude to his supporters and medical team, even treating them to pizza after his recovery.