What Happened in the Pope’s Last Moments? His Doctor Shares Rare Insights

The Pope had just fallen into a coma. “There was nothing more we could do,” Dr. Alfieri said.

In a deeply moving account, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the trusted physicians who cared for Pope Francis, shared intimate details about the Pope’s final hours before his peaceful death on Monday at 7:35 a.m. The revelation, made during an interview with the Italian press, offers a rare glimpse into the Pontiff’s final moments, his wishes, and his enduring commitment to serve until the very end.

Early Morning Call from the Vatican

According to reports from La Repubblica, Dr. Alfieri was abruptly awakened at 5:30 a.m. on Monday morning by a phone call from the Vatican. On the line was Massimiliano Strappeti, Pope Francis’ personal nurse, who had been closely monitoring the Pontiff’s health in the days leading to his passing.

“The Holy Father is very ill. We must return to Gemelli,” the nurse reportedly said, referring to the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where the Pope had previously received treatment earlier this year.

Just moments before that call, Pope Francis had awakened and asked for a glass of water. But as he turned on his side, the nurse noticed something unusual.

“He turned, and the nurse immediately sensed something was wrong,” Dr. Alfieri told La Repubblica.

A Calm and Silent Departure

Dr. Alfieri arrived at the Santa Marta residence inside Vatican City roughly 20 minutes later, where he found the Holy Father with his eyes open but unresponsive.

“I tried speaking to him, but there was no reply—no response, not even to pain,” the doctor recounted in an interview with Corriere della Sera. “He had fallen into a coma.”

The Pope’s condition was irreversible. “There was nothing more we could do,” Dr. Alfieri said solemnly.

As his breathing became shallower and his pulse weakened, Pope Francis passed away peacefully and without pain—just as he had wished.

“He died at home, without suffering,” the doctor confirmed.

Pope Francis’ Final Wish: A Peaceful Death at Home

The decision not to transport the Pope to the hospital was intentional. “Moving him could have ended his life even sooner,” Dr. Alfieri explained. More importantly, the Pope had expressed a strong desire to pass away in his own residence, surrounded by those closest to him.

He had also made it clear that he did not want to be intubated or undergo aggressive treatment in his final moments. “He was at peace with his decision,” said Alfieri.

Shortly after the Pope’s passing, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and other clergy arrived at his residence. Together, they gathered around Francis and prayed the Rosary, paying tribute to a man who devoted his life to the Church.

The Final Days: A Pope Who Kept Giving

What makes the Pope’s final days even more remarkable is that he continued to carry out his papal duties with determination and grace.

“He still felt strong on Holy Saturday,” Dr. Alfieri noted. The Pope had returned to work even though his physician had prescribed two months of rest following his discharge from the hospital on March 23.

“Working again was part of his recovery. It gave him purpose,” the doctor shared. “But now, I believe he felt the need to complete certain things before passing.”

And indeed, he did.

A Legacy of Compassion and Service Until the End

Just days before his death, Pope Francis made several meaningful visits. He prayed at St. Mary Major Basilica, where he will eventually be buried, and paid a solemn visit to the tomb of St. Pius X in St. Peter’s Basilica.

On Holy Thursday, April 17, he visited Regina Coeli Prison in Rome, where he met with 70 inmates and celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper—a tradition he cherished deeply.

In his final conversation with Dr. Alfieri, the Pope expressed one small regret: “This time, I didn’t manage to wash the prisoners’ feet,” referring to the beloved Holy Week ritual that symbolizes humility and service.

An End of an Era: Remembering Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and a pontiff who broke many traditions while upholding the core values of the Catholic faith. His papacy was marked by compassion, reform, and a deep concern for the poor and marginalized.

The intimate details shared by Dr. Sergio Alfieri offer not only closure but also a testament to the Pope’s humanity, humility, and unwavering faith.

His peaceful passing in the quiet sanctity of his Vatican residence reflects the way he lived: simple, compassionate, and faithful to his mission.