Pope Francis was admitted Wednesday to the Gemelli Polyclinic hospital in Rome. According to medical sources quoted by Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was admitted for respiratory and cardiac problems. The Vatican press office claims that it was a scheduled visit for a routine checkup.
However, the Argentine media outlet La Nación reported that the pontiff's agenda for Thursday and Friday had to be completely canceled, according to sources very close to Pope Francis. According to La Nación, Pope Francis felt unwell after the morning audiences and his personal physician, Massimiliano Strappetti, recommended that he be taken by ambulance to the hospital. According to these reports, Pope Francis will spend at least one night in the hospital.
Italian media sources report that Pope Francis' condition is not serious and that he has undergone several tests since being admitted, including a CT scan. The Vatican has not provided any further information at this time. This incident comes a few days before the beginning of Holy Week, with liturgies beginning this Palm Sunday.
Pope Francis was hospitalized in the summer of 2021, when he underwent an operation to remove part of his intestine. He also has health issues affecting his knee.
