Media reports from Italian agencies indicate that Pope Francis traveled to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome today for medical checkups. The visit was observed by several sources familiar with his schedule, though no official Vatican announcement accompanied the reports.
According to the same sources, the pope is believed to be at Gemelli Polyclinic’s Center for Aging Medicine, commonly referred to as Cemi. The reports note that he visited the facility twice, with the most recent visit recorded at the end of March. It remains unclear whether any appointments were planned in advance for today, and no public agenda for the pope was released. Such hospital visits have become a familiar part of his routine in recent months, though they are not always accompanied by a detailed briefing from Vatican officials.
On May 26, the pope reportedly had to cancel part of his program due to a fever. He reportedly recovered and was able to resume official duties the following day, continuing his activities with the energy expected of him in leading the Church. This pattern of brief interruptions followed by a return to work has been characteristic as medical teams monitor his health while he maintains his responsibilities as head of the Catholic Church.
Francisco was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for three nights at the end of March, with the hospital stay described at the time as treatment for acute pneumonia. He himself spoke about his condition during the return flight from a trip to Hungary, explaining the experience and the symptoms he endured during the episode.
Regarding the reason for the pneumonia and the extent of the illness, he said that he felt unwell after a period of fasting and fatigue. He noted a reduced appetite and sleepiness, but emphasized that he did not lose consciousness and did not suffer a collapse. The hospitalization at Gemelli Polyclinic lasted three days and nights, a period used to stabilize his condition and ensure a safe recovery before resuming public duties.
This was Francisco’s second stay at Gemelli Hospital. The first occurred on July 4, 2021, when he underwent a colon operation and spent about ten days in recovery. The experience marked a significant medical event in his leadership timeline and set the stage for ongoing discussions about his healthcare needs and how they intersect with his demanding schedule as pope.
Since those earlier health challenges, the pope has faced ongoing issues with his right knee, a condition that has necessitated walking with the aid of a cane or, at times, a wheelchair. Despite these difficulties, he has repeatedly stated that he does not want to undergo surgical intervention, choosing instead to manage his mobility through conservative measures and accommodations that allow him to continue his pastoral and administrative work without interruption.