Skip to content

Pope Francis visits hospital for diagnostic tests after Wednesday audience

Pope Francis went to the hospital on Rome’s Tiber Island on Wednesday morning after meeting with the public at his general audience.

The Vatican confirmed on Feb. 28 that the pope underwent “diagnostic tests” at the Gemelli Isola Tiberina Hospital before returning to his Vatican residence shortly after noon.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the pope has had “a mild flu-like condition” since at least Saturday when he canceled his scheduled public appearances.

The 87-year-old pope appeared in a wheelchair at his Wednesday audience in Paul VI Hall where he had an aide read his speech for him after telling the crowd that he was still not well.

“Dear brothers and sisters, I still have a bit of a cold,” Pope Francis said in a soft-spoken voice as he explained that Monsignor Filippo Ciampanelli would read the text of his catechesis for him.

Despite feeling unwell, the pope greeted the crowd at the end of the audience, shaking hands with visiting pilgrims, blessing newlywed couples, and speaking with bishops before visiting the hospital.

Italian media spotted the pope leaving the Vatican in the backseat of a white Fiat 500 one hour before the Vatican officially confirmed the hospital visit.

“After the general audience, Pope Francis went to the Gemelli Isola Tiberina Hospital for some diagnostic tests. At the end he returned to the Vatican,” the brief statement from the Holy See Press Office said.

The Vatican has yet to release details as to the results of the hospital’s diagnostic tests.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Vatican Draws Line on Women’s Ordination and Homosexuality in New Letter to German Bishops

The Vatican has informed German bishops in writing that the ordination of women and changes in the Church’s

LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | May 28th, 2023

LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by

Woman born of surrogacy shares why she supports Pope Francis’ call for a global ban

Don't miss this eye-opening article shedding light on the untold stories behind surrogacy. Olivia Maurel, born via surrogacy, shares her traumatic experiences and joins the call for its abolition, echoing Pope Francis' stance.

Pope Leo XIV: To let God work in your life, you have to empty yourself

Pope Leo XIV on Monday explained that in order to allow God’s action in our personal lives, people

Synod on Synodality leaders: Full list of delegates for October assembly still under review

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (right), relator general of Synod on Synodality, speaks to the media on June 20, 2023, at the temporary headquarters of the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City. Beside him is Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General for the Synod of Bishops.
Pope Leo XIV speaks to participants in the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies on Oct. 24, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV on the gifts of women and synodality: ‘Women are already better’

Pope Leo XIV drew laughter and applause on Oct. 24 when he recalled asking his mother in the

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com