Pope Francis Undergoing Care at Gemelli Hospital: A Historical Perspective

The Gemelli Hospital, renowned for treating popes, is once again in the spotlight as Pope Francis receives care for pneumonia.

Pope Francis is currently under medical attention at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs. This situation brings back memories of past papacies, particularly that of Pope John Paul II, who was a frequent patient at this famous medical institution.

Outside the hospital stands a prominent statue of the late Pope John Paul II, symbolizing a part of the hospital's rich history. Between 1981 and 2005, John Paul II was admitted around 10 times for various health issues, including a life-saving surgery after a shooting incident in St. Peter's Square.

The Gemelli Hospital, established in the 1960s and boasting over 1500 beds, is one of the largest private hospitals in Europe. It has been informally dubbed the “Pope's Hospital,” a reference to its significant role in papal healthcare. The late Pope affectionately referred to it as "Vatican Three," alongside St. Peter's Square and Castel Gandolfo.

Special accommodations are made for papal patients, including a designated suite on the tenth floor, furnished simply yet equipped with essential amenities. This suite provides a space for the Pope to pray and manage his health in peace, while also allowing opportunities for appearances to the public via a balcony.

Well-wishers often gather outside, laying flowers and other tokens in support of the Pope’s recovery. With Pope Francis’ medical history also marked by prior admissions to Gemelli, including surgeries and treatments for bronchitis, he has displayed a warm rapport with hospital staff, often expressing his gratitude through gestures, such as baptizing newborns or sharing meals with his caregivers.

As Pope Francis recovers from pneumonia, the Gemelli Hospital continues to hold a crucial place in the legacy of papal health and wellness.