Pope Francis’ doctors considered stopping treatment to ‘let him go’ after serious breathing crisis

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Associated Press or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Pope Francis’ doctors considered halting treatment during a severe breathing crisis on 28 February, fearing he might not survive the night
• Instead, they opted for aggressive interventions that carried risks to his organs
• The pontiff was discharged on 23 March after 38 days of hospitalisation for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia

🔭 The context: At age 88, Pope Francis has faced growing health challenges, with this marking his longest hospital stay
• The crisis involved inhalation of vomit during a bronchospasm and was followed by further complications days later
• His team proceeded with intensive treatment, encouraged by the pope’s assistant and his own wishes

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As a global religious leader and outspoken advocate for climate action, Pope Francis’ health bears significant implications
• His encyclicals, particularly Laudato Si’, have galvanised environmental discourse across faith and policy spheres
• Uncertainty about his health could affect momentum in global moral leadership on climate and social justice

⏭️ What's next: Francis is under strict medical orders to rest for two months, casting doubt on his participation in Holy Week and a possible meeting with King Charles III
• Vatican planning will depend on his recovery progress
• Any future health crises may accelerate conversations about papal succession

💬 One quote: “We needed to choose whether to stop and let him go, or to push it and attempt… In the end, that is the path we chose.” — Dr. Sergio Alfieri, Gemelli Polyclinic

📈 One stat: Pope Francis spent 38 days in hospital for treatment — his longest hospitalisation to date.

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