Pope Francis hospitalized for his medical check-up in Rome

Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, 86, is currently hospitalized in Rome. His next engagements have been canceled to carry out medical examinations.

“The Holy Father has been at (Hospital) Gemelli since this afternoon for previously scheduled checks,” Holy See press office director Matteo said in a statement. Bruni, without giving further details.

According to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, the pope was transported by ambulance to the hospital after “heart problems”. He took part earlier Wednesday in the Vatican's weekly general audience and appeared to be in good health at the time, it is reported.

Recall that Pope Francis, who has been in a wheelchair since May 2022 due to chronic knee pain, also suffered from diverticulitis – an inflammation or infection of the colon – for which he had already been operated on in 2021. During an interview in January, he implied that his problems with inflammation of the diverticula had returned.