On Monday morning, a serious health incident involving Pope Francis was reported when Dr. Sergio Alfieri found the pontiff unresponsive despite having his eyes open and breathing normally. This alarming discovery was made in the Vatican, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Dr. Alfieri, who had been overseeing the pope's medical treatment, was alerted at 5:30 a.m. by Massimiliano Strappetti, Francis's health care assistant, about the urgent need for hospital assistance.

Dr. Alfieri recounted that he arrived at the pope's residence about 20 minutes after being notified. Upon entering the room, he assessed Francis's condition and noted that while the pope was not experiencing any respiratory issues, he did not respond to verbal calls or physical stimuli, even painful ones. Dr. Alfieri recognized at that moment that the pope was in a coma and that there was little that could be done to revive him.

Given the pope's complex medical history, including a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, Dr. Alfieri deemed it too risky to transfer Francis back to the Gemelli hospital for further treatment. Reflecting on Francis's wishes, he noted that the pope had expressed a desire to pass away at home, a sentiment he frequently communicated while at Gemelli.

Tragically, Pope Francis passed away two hours after suffering a stroke. In the aftermath of his death, Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived to pray the rosary over the pope's body, accompanied by members of the papal household staff. In a poignant moment, Dr. Alfieri shared that he gently caressed the pope's body as a final farewell.

Throughout this difficult time, Vatican News reported that the pope managed to communicate a gesture of farewell to Strappetti at the onset of his illness, and those present observed that he did not seem to be in pain. The details of the pope's declining health have prompted reflections on his life and legacy.

Pope Francis is expected to be honored in a state funeral scheduled for Saturday, which is anticipated to attract numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, among other official delegations.

This heartfelt tribute will mark a significant moment in the global community as many come together to remember the life and contributions of Pope Francis, who played a vital role on the world stage during his papacy.