Pope Francis, who has been battling the flu, was taken to a hospital in Rome following a papal audience on Wednesday.
The 86-year-old pontiff was spotted arriving at the Italian capital’s Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island in his small white Fiat 500, then leaving a short time later. The Vatican, in a statement issued shortly after, confirmed Pope Francis underwent “some diagnostic tests” — including a CT scan to rule out any risk of lung complications — before returning home.
“The examination was negative and the Pope returned to Casa Santa Marta,” according to the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
His hospital visit, though brief, did little to quell concerns about the Pope’s health. Earlier in the day, Pope Francis was pushed in a wheelchair into the audience hall at the Vatican, and then apologized to those gathered before him. He said he was “still a bit ill” after suffering a mild case of the flu, and asked a bishop to perform one of the readings.
Pope Francis’ wheelchair use has increased over the last year, though he has been walking short distances in recent weeks. He remained seated and in his chair for about an hour after the papal audience, greeting the faithful before his brief trip to the hospital. He also previously canceled appointments Saturday and Monday due to illness but appeared as usual for the Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
The pontiff has been in the hospital several times in the last year, including for bronchitis in March and had intestinal surgery in early June, the Vatican said at the time.
After his most recent visit on Wednesday, a message appeared on his official account on X.
“In this time of #Lent, let us strive not to put ourselves at the centre; rather, let us try to step aside to make room for others, to promote them, and to rejoice in their qualities and successes,” it read.
Francis is scheduled on Saturday to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday, followed by an appearance at a noontime prayer, according to the Vatican.
With News Wire Services
