I remember one evening at the end of the pontificate. The Holy Father was very weak. At one point he had a small heart attack. We immediately called Dr. Buzzonetti. He lived near the Vatican, near the Castle of St. Angel. He said that he will be there in a few minutes.
Fr. Stanislaus stayed with the Pope, and I ran to the elevator to go down for the doctor. As I was leaving, the Holy Father said: “I will die.” I was very taken over. There was no one in the small courtyard of Sixtus V. There was emptiness. Every second lasted forever. “Where is Dr. Buzzonetti?” I kept asking myself. I was very nervous. I thought: “I am waiting here in this empty courtyard, and there the Pope dies.” It was total helplessness. I thought my heart would break.
– Then, Dr. Buzzonetti would have to rescue two people.
– It was very close to it. He arrived very quickly, but for me it went on forever. As soon as he appeared, we immediately took the elevator. We have come to the Holy Father. The doctor began the examination. The Pope repeated: “I am dying.” And, he added, “I realized that Cardinal Sapieha died when he was exactly as old as I was.” Buzzonetti immediately responded: “Please don’t say such things! Nothing like this will happen! After taking the drugs, everything will be fine.”
And indeed, after the administration of drugs, the pope’s health has improved significantly. This is one of many situations where the personal doctor was quick, determined and effective. A very nice man. The Holy Father valued him a lot and listened to his recommendations.
Secretary of two Popes – conversation with Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki.
Wydawnictwo Literackie Publishing House
