Health concerns are rising for Pope Francis, aged 88, who is being treated for a polymicrobial respiratory infection at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. This facility, historically linked to papal health since John Paul II, has seen Francis hospitalized multiple times since 2013, including significant surgeries. Currently, all his scheduled events are canceled as he recuperates. The hospital has a dedicated papal apartment for comfort and security during his recovery.
Health Concerns Surrounding Pope Francis
Worries are escalating regarding the health of Pope Francis, who is currently 88 years old. Following his hospitalization on February 14, he is being treated for a ‘polymicrobial’ respiratory infection. The Vatican has described his condition as having a ‘complex clinical picture,’ indicating that he is receiving care at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a facility that has become synonymous with papal health since the era of John Paul II.
The Gemelli Hospital: A Historical Overview
Gemelli Hospital stands as the largest medical facility in Rome. Named after Agostino Gemelli, a Franciscan priest, doctor, and psychologist, the hospital began serving the community in 1964 after Pope Pius XI provided the land on the picturesque Monte Mario hill in 1934. With a workforce exceeding 5,000 and over 1,500 patient beds, it is an integral part of Sacred Heart University, renowned as Europe’s largest Catholic university established in Milan in 1921.
This hospital gained fame when John Paul II was admitted after an assassination attempt in May 1981, following which he underwent a nearly six-hour surgery. The Polish Pope humorously referred to Gemelli as ‘Vatican No. 3’ due to his frequent visits—nine times in total, amounting to 153 days over his papacy. John Paul II’s enduring presence at Gemelli has solidified its reputation as a prominent healthcare institution.
Pope Francis has experienced multiple hospital stays, marking his fourth since ascending to the papacy in 2013. His first admission occurred in July 2021 for significant colon surgery, requiring a ten-day recovery. He was also hospitalized for bronchitis in March 2021 and underwent surgery for an abdominal hernia later that year. Each hospitalization has sparked discussions about his health, yet he has consistently reassured the public of his recovery.
The Gemelli management responded to John Paul II’s hospitalizations by creating a dedicated papal apartment on the 10th floor, featuring essential amenities and a chapel, designed for the comfort of the pontiff during recovery. The apartment is secured by a long corridor monitored by both Italian police and Vatican security, ensuring the utmost safety for the Pope and the medical staff alike.
Even while hospitalized, the Pope maintains his connection with the faithful, as seen when Pope Francis addressed the crowd from the hospital balcony shortly after his surgery. Currently, he is not expected to return to the Vatican until Wednesday, with all scheduled events for the week canceled. The Holy See has officially announced the cancellation of events, including the jubilee audience on Saturday, February 22, and the Sunday mass, due to the health of the Holy Father.