Pope Francis Credits Nurse for Saving His Life—“Try Everything… Don’t Give Up”

Pope Francis recently faced a life-threatening health crisis during his 38-day hospitalization for pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff's condition deteriorated to the point where doctors considered halting treatment to allow him to die peacefully. However, it was the intervention of his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, that may have saved the Pope's life.

The Pope's Personal Nurse's 5 Words Saved His Life

On February 28, 2025, Pope Francis's condition deteriorated rapidly. The 88-year-old pontiff was fighting pneumonia in both lungs and had experienced multiple respiratory crises. The situation was so dire that his medical team, led by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, believed there was a real possibility that the Pope wouldn't survive.

The Vatican medical bulletin from that date read: "The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition."

As the Pope's health worsened, his medical team faced an agonizing decision: should they cease treatment and allow nature to take its course, or pursue aggressive medical interventions that carried significant risks? It was at this crucial juncture that Massimiliano Strappetti, Pope Francis's personal health care assistant and nurse, spoke the five words that would prove pivotal: "Try everything, don't give up.”

The Power of a Nurse's Determination

Strappetti's firm advice to "try everything" and not give up ultimately influenced the decision to continue treatment. But nurses do this every day, serving as advocates for their patients and providing crucial input during life-or-death situations, regardless of whether the patient is the Pope or not.

Strappetti's words carried weight not just because of his position as the Pope's personal health care assistant, but also due to his intimate knowledge of the pontiff's condition and wishes. In high-stakes medical situations, the insights of nursing staff who work closely with patients can be invaluable in guiding treatment decisions.

Nurse Saved Pope's Life in 2021

This wasn’t even the first time that Strappetti was credited with saving the Pope’s life. Prior to his promotion to the Pope’s personal health care assistant in 2022, Strappetti was the nursing coordinator within the Vatican's health department. He accurately identified an intestinal problem that led to Pope Francis's 10-day hospital stay in July 2021. During this hospitalization, the Pope underwent surgery to remove 33 centimeters of his colon that had narrowed.

Pope Francis publicly credited Strappetti for saving his life, stating, "A nurse, a man with a lot of experience, saved my life." 

Pope Says a Nurse Saved His Life in 1957

The Pope credits a nurse for a third incident that happened early in his career when he was a young seminarian in Argentina. In 1957, he fell seriously ill with pneumonia. A nurse went against the opinion of the doctors and doubled the dose of medication that he was prescribed. Pope Francis credited this nurse's intervention as the first time a nurse saved his life.

The Nurse’s Powerful Voice

Massimiliano Strappetti’s firm stance in the face of uncertainty is a powerful reminder of what nurses bring to the bedside every day: clinical judgment, advocacy, and a deep understanding of their patients’ needs. His five words – "Try everything, don't give up" – cut through hesitation and gave the care team the push to keep going.

Whether you're in a major hospital or a rural clinic, moments like these happen quietly, without headlines. But they matter. Nurses aren't just executing care plans—they’re shaping them.

So when you're tired, overwhelmed, or second-guessing your gut, remember this moment: a nurse’s voice helped save the Pope. Yours could be the one that saves the next life.

Always remember that there is a patient somewhere who will forever hold you in a special place in their heart because you helped them.

Join The Discussion

🤔 Have you ever had to speak up for a patient when others were ready to give up? What gave you the courage to do it? Tell us your thoughts in the discussion forum below.