Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pope Francis’ doctor reveals pontiff’s final regret before his death

Thousands queue to view Pope lying in state at Vatican's St Peter's Basilica
  • The head of Pope Francis's medical team, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, has revealed details about the Pope's final moments.
  • Pope Francis expressed regret to Dr. Alfieri about not being able to perform the traditional foot-washing ritual for Holy Thursday.
  • Dr. Alfieri stated that the 88-year-old Pope died quickly on Easter Monday morning without undue suffering, and medical intervention could not have saved him.
  • The Pope was found conscious but unresponsive in his room, and Dr. Alfieri determined further medical intervention would be futile.
  • Despite a recent pneumonia hospitalisation, the Pope's death came as a shock, especially after his Easter Sunday appearance.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in