From the posted CNN link:
"Alfie's father had traveled to Rome earlier this month to meet Francis, who had expressed his backing for their cause, and a hospital in Rome offered to treat the toddler.
However, a visit to Alfie and consultation with his doctors led Roman doctors to conclude that the child's condition was irreversible and untreatable, according to a statement from Alder Hey. "
The child had been in a persistent vegetative state and on a vent for over a year. Apparently the hospital told the parents that there was no hope and that the vent and other life support should be withdrawn. They disagreed and wished to keep him "alive" on the vent as he continued to deteriorate. The taxpayers were paying for this very expensive treatment, btw. Even if we assume that they could have afforded to have the child taken to Italy for treatment, those physicians declined to treat after examining the child in person.
It is a difficult case and a difficult decision. It reminds me very much of the Terry Schiavo case.