Pope Francis' Doctor Shares Pontiff's Last Regret before Passing Away: "I Entered His Rooms"

• The doctor who headed the team that treated the late Pope Francis during his recent stay at the hospital has recounted how he confirmed the pontiff was no more
• The medical practitioner said he was called at 5.30am on Monday and arrived at the Vatican 20 minutes later
• He recounted the last regret of the deceased head of the Catholic church, who passed away on Easter Monday after suffering a cerebral stroke and heart failure, and a seminarian, Chime Augustine, has reacted to the pope's death in a chat with Legit.ng

Dr Sergio Alfieri, Pope Francis' doctor, said that he found the late pontiff in a coma with his eyes open, adding that he did not experience undue pain.

Dr Alfieri, who led the team that treated the late Pope Francis during his recent stay at the hospital due to double pneumonia, said there was nothing that could have saved the late pope.

Read also

Nigerian reverend father shares what he loves about Pope Francis' coffin during burial, people react

How Pope's doctor found him dead

Speaking with Italy's Corriere della Sera, Dr Alfieri said he was called at 5.30am on Monday, April 21 and arrived at the Vatican 20 minutes later.

When he entered the late pontiff's rooms, Dr Alfieri found him in a coma, and when he tried to call his name, there was no response. In his words:

"I entered his rooms and he (Pope Francis) had his eyes open.

"I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me.

"He didn't respond to stimuli, not even painful ones. In that moment, I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma."

Pope Francis' last regret

In a separate chat with La Repubblica, the doctor who last saw the pope alive on Saturday, noted that he gave him some pie in a flavour he liked.

Read also

Priest shares how Pope Francis broke with tradition and was buried in Basilica of St. Mary Major

Dr Alfieri said the pope confided in him that he regretted not being able to wash the feet of the prisoners he visited at a Rome jail on 17 April.

"He regretted he could not wash the feet of the prisoners.

"This time I couldn't do it - was the last thing he said to me."

Owerri seminarian reacts to Pope Francis' death

In an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, seminarian, Chime Augustine, said he was saddened by Pope Francis' demise. In his words:

"The news struck me with profound sorrow and reverence. It felt like the Church had lost not just a shepherd, but a spiritual father whose voice guided millions across continents.

"In prayerful silence, I turned to the Psalms, especially Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones.”

Pope Francis' doctor's account sparks reactions

Brian Dearman said:

Read also

Catholic priest explains deep meaning of document sealed and placed inside Pope Francis' coffin

His health deteriorated quite a lot recently when you think of it ? He must of been well pumped with steroids, poor old bu.gger - RIP Pope Francis 💐."

Rhonda Liptak said:

"We all need to remember they do not embalm or do autopsy on the pope let alone other countries do not embalm like we do here at the states … his wishes were met with what he wanted and them taking him to the balcony on Easter is what he wanted to do. He is/ was the pope he was raised and obligated his faith to the fullest…

"He was very humble and he cared for all people . He put the people before himself."

Cruise Wilson Matandika said:

"Mmmmm that doctor is lying anyone who saw the guy during his last days will tell you a different story."

Joan Blanch-nicholson said:

"I can't believe he was brought to the balcony when they decided to do it. Poor man looked really ill, but I think a lot of people were gratefull for that last glimpse . I'm not Catholic, but couldn't help but feel sorry for him."

Read also

Doctor who coordinated Pope Francis’ 5-week hospital treatment shared his final moments

Fay-Fari Far said:

"My heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community and faith on their loss. May you all find comfort and strength in each other during this difficult time. Sending love and support to everyone affected. ☪️🩷✝️."

Maumé Izlum II said:

"He now goes to the archive and waits like everyone else.... those who understand this know what I'm talking about."

Pope Francis' legacy

Pope Francis' 12-year leadership brought many good things to the Catholic Church and the world. One of them was that he helped the poor and gave them a voice.

He preached against policies that further impoverished people as he spotted the sufferings of refugees and migrants, urging communities to give them support.

The Pope also performed some diplomatic duties. A case in point was the 2016 restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

Pope Francis ignored doctors' warnings

Read also

Deeone queries Jude Okoye over alleged 1.38bn fraud, supports Peter: "If you be Naija leader nko?"

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Vatican had released pieces of information about how the late Pope Francis ignored doctors' recommendations in his final days.

In March, the highly revered religious leader had survived an almost fatal respiratory crisis. At that time, after five weeks of intensive treatment, doctors said it was strongly considered to let the pope die as it looked he was not going to pull through, and rescuing efforts could complicate his rapidly dwindling health condition.

However, the pope did survive. He was told to use two months of healing indoors, but did not heed the advice.

Joseph Omotayo, the HoD of the Human Interest Desk, contributed to this reporting, adding Pope Francis' legacy.

Source: Legit.ng