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.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

As Holy Door Closes, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Reflect on How the Jubilee Year Opened Hearts

As one pilgrim told the Register: ‘Hope takes on a radiant strength when thousands carry it together.’ As

A Look at the Catholic Media Federation’s International Day in Lourdes

Saint Francis de Sales was a topic of conversation in France, particularly at the Shrine of Lourdes which

Advent: What is it and how should it be celebrated?

Advent begins this year on Sunday, Nov. 30. Most Catholics — even those who don’t often go to

Grief, sorrow in endless lines to bid farewell to Pope Francis

In the endless lines of pilgrims wishing to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose coffin now lies open in St. Peter’s Basilica, feelings of grief and sadness are the order of the day.

LIVE | Pope Francis’ Celebration of the Lord’s Supper & Washing of the Feet

LIVE on the Thursday of the Holy Week | Join Pope Francis as he celebrates the Holy Mass

Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: 1st Anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

In this video, we reflect on the sad one year anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com