Pope Francis, who was admitted to the Polyclinic Romana Gemelli in Rome on Wednesday afternoon with a respiratory infection, had a peaceful night. He is expected to undergo further tests on Thursday, the Gemelli Clinic said. All of the Pope’s appointments for Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.
Reports in Milan’s Corriere della Sera newspaper that the 86-year-old pontiff was suffering from pneumonia have yet to be confirmed. According to media reports, the Pope could spend a few days in the hospital.
The pontiff had his private nurse Massimiliano Strappetti (54) convince him to be admitted to hospital after feeling unwell following Wednesday’s general audience. He had canceled an interview with TV Rai on Wednesday because of pressure in his chest area. Strappetti convinced him to be hospitalized.
Strappetti, coordinator of nurses at the Vatican Medical Service, was appointed Francis’ personal health assistant in 2022. As early as 2021, the Roman had convinced the Pope to undergo an intestinal operation. At that time Francis had declared that he owed his life to Strappetti. The “experienced man” urgently advised him to undergo the procedure. “He saved my life,” Francis said in an interview after the operation.
no corona
“Pope Francis has been complaining of breathing difficulties in recent days and this afternoon he went to the Gemelli Polyclinic for a medical examination. The result of these examinations revealed a respiratory infection, with the exception of a Covid 19 infection, which will require medical treatment in hospital for some days,” said a Vatican press release late on Wednesday. Pope Francis is moved by the many messages he has received and appreciates the closeness and prayers.”
According to Milan’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, the Pope was taken by ambulance to the Gemelli Clinic after complaining of heart problems and breathing difficulties late Wednesday morning. He was persuaded to be admitted to the hospital by his health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti. The Holy Father was admitted to the cardiology department of the polyclinic. The complaints are currently classified as “not concerning”, but the pontiff has reportedly been the subject of several investigations. The hospital said a chest CT scan was negative.
As usual, the Pope participated in the general audience on Wednesday. He would have felt uncomfortable at the Santa Marta Inn. He was then taken to the polyclinic in an ambulance. Francis is in a room on the tenth floor of the Polyclinic, known as the “Apartment of the Popes” because Francis’ predecessors used to be treated here. Francis had previously spent a ten-day stay here in connection with his colon surgery on July 4, 2021.
Easter celebrations are coming
In recent months, the 86-year-old has been struggling with knee problems. The Holy Father had already refused knee surgery out of concern about the effects of anesthesia.
The pope’s health problems cast a shadow over upcoming Easter celebrations that are keeping the head of the Catholic Church busy. On Sunday morning, Francis would celebrate the liturgical celebration of Palm Sunday at the beginning of Holy Week in St. Peter’s Square. This is a great service in front of tens of thousands of believers in St. Peter’s Square. (apa)