Surgeon Sergio Alfieri spoke about the intimate bond that connected him to the Pontiff until his final days
The doctor assured that this union was marked by mutual esteem and affection. "Our relationship was much more than medical," he expressed with emotion. According to his account, they shared deep conversations, gestures of closeness, and a respect that transcended the clinical.
One of the most impactful passages of his testimony was when he recounted the request the Pope made shortly before dying. Francis asked him to organize a meeting with the 70 professionals from the Gemelli hospital who attended to him for years.
Despite his health condition, he appeared resolute. "I will meet with them on Wednesday," he told the doctor. For Alfieri, it was a gesture that denoted a clear awareness of his imminent departure. "It was as if he knew he had little time left," he confessed.
That last wish summarized Francis's spirit: he never left matters unsolved, nor bonds unhonored. His departure leaves a deep void, but also a legacy of humanity that continues to move the world.
A reverent silence enveloped Rome after Pope Francis's departure. The city was immersed in an atmosphere of reflection, while thousands of faithful gathered in front of St. Peter's Basilica to pay tribute to him. His legacy marked a turning point in the recent history of the Church.
In that context of mourning, a voice close to the Pope moved everyone. Sergio Alfieri, his personal doctor for years, broke the silence with an unprecedented confession. His words shed light on the Pontiff's last moments of life and revealed details hitherto unknown.
Alfieri was not simply the Pope's surgeon; he was a confidant, a direct witness to key moments and complex decisions. Since the first operation he performed in 2021, the relationship between them surpassed the limits of professionalism.
