Pope Francis in Same Hospital Room as St. John Paul II

Pope Francis is currently in the process of recovery from abdominal surgery, which took place this week in Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Interestingly, the pontiff is being treated in the very same hospital room where his predecessor, St. John Paul II, received medical care throughout his papacy.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/8/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Pope Francis, hospital, St. John Paul II

On June 8, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis is in good overall condition, alert, and breathing naturally, just one day after undergoing a three-hour surgery to address an incisional hernia. As part of the recovery process, the Pope is expected to remain at Gemelli University Hospital for several days, leading to the cancellation of all his scheduled audiences until June 18.

The Pope's hospital room is situated on the 10th floor of the hospital, in a dedicated wing specifically designated for papal medical emergencies. This room holds special historical significance, as it is the very same room where St. John Paul II received treatment for numerous health issues during his pontificate. This includes his hospitalization following an assassination attempt in 1981 and a colon surgery in 1992. St. John Paul II had a frequent presence at Gemelli Hospital throughout his more than 25-year papacy, once referring to it as the "third Vatican" alongside Vatican City and Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of popes.

Within the hospital, there is a chapel dedicated to St. John Paul II, where family members and patients seek solace and pray. The chapel features a relic of St. John Paul II, located on the right wall, allowing visitors to find spiritual comfort in the presence of the revered pope.

This marks the third time in the past two years that Pope Francis has been treated at Gemelli Hospital. Earlier this year, he spent four days there due to a lung infection, and he also dealt with a recurrence of diverticulitis, a painful inflammation of bulges in the large intestine, following his colon surgery in July 2021.

Religious leaders from around the world have expressed their well-wishes and prayers for Pope Francis during his hospitalization. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the U.S. bishops' conference, urged Catholics to continue praying for the Pope's recovery, emphasizing the strength and healing power of faith in God.

As Pope Francis undergoes his recovery process, the thoughts and prayers of people worldwide are with him, trusting in the healing grace of God.