Pope Francis Hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital: A Look at the 'Hospital of the Popes'
Pope Francis is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome's renowned Polyclinic Gemelli, famously known for its historical ties to the papacy.
Pope Francis has been hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic in Rome since February 14, 2025, for treatment of bilateral pneumonia.
This facility, often referred to as the 'hospital of the popes,' is garnering global attention during the pontiff's stay.
According to updates from the Vatican, the 88-year-old pope is reported to be showing slight improvements in his condition.
This marks Pope Francis' fourth hospitalization at Gemelli since 2021, following past health concerns that include abdominal surgery for a hernia in June 2023, treatment for a respiratory infection in March 2023, and major colon surgery in July 2021. The current hospital stay has reignited interest in the hospital's history and significance.
Inaugurated in 1964, the Gemelli Hospital is the largest in Rome, employing over 5,000 staff members.
It is associated with the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which was established in 1921 and is recognized as Europe's largest Catholic university, hosting multiple campuses across Italy.
Gemelli Hospital gained international prominence following the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981. The pope was critically injured when shot but successfully underwent nearly six hours of emergency surgery at Gemelli, re-emerging in stable condition.
This incident solidified the hospital's reputation as a key healthcare provider for the papacy, attracting subsequent popes with health issues.
The hospital's capabilities and resources have made it a preferred choice for papal healthcare, contributing to its distinction as Italy's leading hospital.
This facility, often referred to as the 'hospital of the popes,' is garnering global attention during the pontiff's stay.
According to updates from the Vatican, the 88-year-old pope is reported to be showing slight improvements in his condition.
This marks Pope Francis' fourth hospitalization at Gemelli since 2021, following past health concerns that include abdominal surgery for a hernia in June 2023, treatment for a respiratory infection in March 2023, and major colon surgery in July 2021. The current hospital stay has reignited interest in the hospital's history and significance.
Inaugurated in 1964, the Gemelli Hospital is the largest in Rome, employing over 5,000 staff members.
It is associated with the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which was established in 1921 and is recognized as Europe's largest Catholic university, hosting multiple campuses across Italy.
Gemelli Hospital gained international prominence following the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981. The pope was critically injured when shot but successfully underwent nearly six hours of emergency surgery at Gemelli, re-emerging in stable condition.
This incident solidified the hospital's reputation as a key healthcare provider for the papacy, attracting subsequent popes with health issues.
The hospital's capabilities and resources have made it a preferred choice for papal healthcare, contributing to its distinction as Italy's leading hospital.
