Did sheer willpower keep Pope alive for a final Easter? Truth about the phenomenon that allows patients in their dying days to choose when they go
Share this @internewscast.com

The Pope’s death today, after a protracted illness, raised a haunting question: was he somehow able ‘hang on’ to see one final Easter?

And, if such a thing were physically possible, how? 

The Pontiff, 88, had recently left hospital under ‘protected discharge’ after suffering an infection that developed into double pneumonia.

And, despite his health issues and reduced mobility, Francis had—much like Queen Elizabeth, who died aged 96 in 2022—kept a busy schedule until his final weeks. 

Just yesterday, he had appeared on his balcony to thousands of cheering devotees gathered in St Peter’s Square for Easter Mass. 

And days before, on Holy Thursday, he had visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing his long-standing tradition of beginning the Triduum with convicts.

He was unable to perform the traditional foot-washing—mirroring Jesus’s act of washing his disciples’ feet before his crucifixion—the 88-year-old reportedly told the prisoners he still wanted to be close to them. 

As the news of the Pope’s passing, mourners took to X.com with one writing: ‘Talk about divine timing. May his soul rest in eternal peace.’

The Pope's death today, after a protracted period battling severe illness, raised a haunting question: was he somehow able 'hang on' to see a final Easter?

The Pope’s death today, after a protracted period battling severe illness, raised a haunting question: was he somehow able ‘hang on’ to see a final Easter?

The Pontiff, 88, had recently left hospital under 'protected discharge' after suffering an infection that developed into double pneumonia

The Pontiff, 88, had recently left hospital under ‘protected discharge’ after suffering an infection that developed into double pneumonia

Just yesterday, he had appeared on his balcony to thousands of cheering devotees gathered in St Peter's Square for Easter Mass

Just yesterday, he had appeared on his balcony to thousands of cheering devotees gathered in St Peter’s Square for Easter Mass

So what is the truth? Is it possible to that sheer willpower can keep a person alive in their final days or hours? Can people choose the moment to die? 

Social media is awash with stories that, seemingly, indicate that such things are possible. 

And the answer, according to numerous medical sources, is also yes—although how this is possible isn’t fully understood.

Clinicians in hospice and palliative care often witness patients seemingly holding on until a meaningful moment—only then allowing themselves to let go. 

According to Cancer Research UK, even when the body is ‘shutting down’, some dying people ‘might resist death’. 

In an article entitled ‘The Final Days of Life’ it explains: ‘They might still have issues they want to resolve or relationships they want to put right.’

Speaking to medical magazine STAT, Dr. Toby Campbell, an oncologist and palliative care specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, said that patients typically have limited control in the final stages of life.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any.

And days before, on Holy Thursday, he had visited Rome's Regina Coeli prison, continuing his long-standing tradition of beginning the Triduum with convicts

And days before, on Holy Thursday, he had visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing his long-standing tradition of beginning the Triduum with convicts 

As the news of the Pope's passing, mourners took to X.com with one writing: 'Talk about divine timing. May his soul rest in eternal peace'

As the news of the Pope’s passing, mourners took to X.com with one writing: ‘Talk about divine timing. May his soul rest in eternal peace’ 

‘People in end-of-life care wouldn’t bat an eye if you asked if they think people can, to a certain degree, control those final moments,’ Dr Campbell told STAT. 

‘We’d all say, ‘Well, yeah. Sure.’ But it’s inexplicable.’ 

According to an article on Marie Curie, the cancer care charity’s website ‘it can sometimes appear that people choose the moment to die. 

‘For example, people talk about someone trying to stay alive until a relative arrives at their bedside, or until a special anniversary or birthday. 

‘A person who is confused, drowsy or unconscious may also wake up and be able to say a final goodbye before dying.’

The article also points out that some people die alone or at an unexpected time. 

‘Some people tell us a relative appeared to wait until everyone had left the room—even for the shortest time—before they died.’

It concludes: ‘It’s impossible to know why people die at the precise moment they do. They may have little control over those final moments.’

And, despite his health issues and reduced mobility, Francis had¿much like Queen Elisabeth, who died aged 96 in 2022¿kept a busy schedule until his final weeks

And, despite his health issues and reduced mobility, Francis had—much like Queen Elisabeth, who died aged 96 in 2022—kept a busy schedule until his final weeks 

While the timing of the Pope’s death may be more than coincidental, medical scientists have little explanation as to why that might be. 

A body of research known as ‘the will to live near death’ touches on this phenomenon, however there are far from clear answers. 

When it comes to holding on for just a few more hours—seemingly through sheer force of will—Dr Campbell believes the body’s hormonal systems come into play. 

‘They probably have some kind of hormonal stimulus that’s just a driver to keep them going,’ he told STAT. 

‘Then, when whatever event they were waiting for happens, the stimulus goes away. There must be some kind of relaxing into it that then allows them to die.’

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Authorities Caution: Prescription Pills May Contain a Drug 100 Times More Lethal than Fentanyl

Health officials have issued an urgent warning about a drug far deadlier…

Urgent Alert: Popular Eye Drops Recalled Due to Potential Risk of Causing Blindness

Health officials have urgently recalled over 11,000 eye drops due to manufacturing…

The Secret Ingredient to Boost Your Protein Shakes for Enhanced Muscle Growth

For any gym-lover or weight-lifter, they’re never too far from their beloved…

I skipped ultra-processed foods for a year and a half – here are 4 major life changes I experienced

Steffan Rhys has eaten no ultra-processed food for 18 months (Image: Steffan…

Significant Study Uncovers Real Situation of Children’s Health: Chronic Conditions Rise by 20%

Children in the US are significantly more likely to suffer from a…

NHS Tests Revolutionary Diabetes Medication Aiming to Delay Type 1 and Lower Insulin Dependency

A revolutionary drug that could significantly slow the progression of type 1…

New Health Guidelines Could Increase Obesity Rates in America

More than 100 million Americans who qualify as overweight could see themselves…

Amazon Slashes Price on Top-Rated Fan to Under £25 Ahead of UK Heatwave

With temperatures climbing across the UK and homes getting noticeably stuffier, many…

The Hidden Brain Condition Behind Migraines in Mothers: It Can Ruin Careers and Marriages, and Doctors Often Dismiss It

There’s tired, and then there’s something’s not right. As a mother of…

Researchers Uncover the Reasons Behind the Significant Rise in Cancer Deaths Among Young Adults and Its Impact

Experts have revealed the reason why an increasing number of young adults…

Doctor Alerts Millions of Britons About Undiagnosed Sleep Condition Tied to Serious Health Risks

A GP has warned patients to check for signs of a hidden…