On Wednesday, Pope Francis went to a hospital in Rome for a medical evaluation. He had experienced mild flu symptoms the previous week after a papal audience.
The 87-year-old pontiff, who had been treated at Gemelli Hospital in April for bronchitis, underwent a CT scan to rule out any potential lung complications.
The examination yielded negative results, and the Pope was able to return to the Santa Marta guesthouse shortly thereafter, as announced by the Vatican through its Telegram channel.
Pope Francis was taken to the hospital earlier today. He is now back at the Vatican. @keirsimmons reports on the breaking details. pic.twitter.com/RB7iJFYwWt
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 28, 2024
The Pope’s health has been a cause for concern in recent months. In addition to the recent flu episode, Francis battled what was initially reported as pneumonia but was later clarified to be inflammation in the lung area causing respiratory issues.
Health concerns led to the cancellation of all audiences last Saturday and Pope Francis’s withdrawal from attending the UN Climate Summit Cop28 in Dubai.
🚨When Pope Francis met with Actor Sylvester Stallone along with his family pic.twitter.com/hTEUFs5QQC
— Sociat USA 🇺🇸 (@SociatUSA) February 28, 2024
Despite health challenges, he continued his work, delivering the general audience on Wednesday morning at the Vatican’s audience hall, with a staffer from the Secretariat of State reading his prepared speech.
Despite setbacks, Pope Francis’s determination to engage publicly underscores his commitment as the head of the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s brief hospitalization and successful evaluation show the Vatican’s prompt action in addressing his health concerns to mitigate risks. Believers worldwide will be relieved to hear of Pope Francis’s safe return to the Vatican after this health scare.