Medical staff caring for Pope Francis have considered stopping his treatment to allow him to die, according to the chief physician, after the 88-year-old was hospitalized with a long-standing respiratory illness.

Professor Sergio Alfieri indicated that the most critical moment was on February 28, when the Pope had a respiratory crisis and swallowed his vomit.

"We had to choose whether to stop and let him go or continue with the treatment, risking damage to other organs," Alfieri said. He stressed that the decision to continue with the treatment was made by the Pope's nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti.

The Pope returned to his residence on March 23 after 38 days in hospital, writes CNNHe has suffered several respiratory crises during his hospital stay, some of which were life-threatening. The Pope has decided to have a high level of treatment for mobility and respiratory physiotherapy, including oxygen therapy and 24-hour medical care, it reports. KosovaPress.