The Papal Hospital: A Look Inside the Gemelli Care for Pope Francis

The Gemelli Hospital in Rome, known as the "Pope's Hospital," has a rich history of treating popes, including John Paul II and currently, Pope Francis, who is being treated for pneumonia. The facility features a specialized Papal suite, staffed with tight security and offering a private place for the Pope to rest and recuperate.

Outside the Gemelli Hospital, a prominent statue of the late Pope John Paul II highlights the medical institution that has served as a vital healthcare facility for several popes over the years. This marble statue shows a frail John Paul II in his later age, capturing both his physical struggles and his spirit. In May 1981, the Gemelli was instrumental in saving John Paul’s life following an assassination attempt, marking the first time a pope received treatment at this hospital.

Currently, Pope Francis is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs after he was admitted last week due to a respiratory infection. The Gemelli Hospital, a renowned Catholic teaching hospital with a history rooted in papal support, was established in the 1960s and has since become one of the largest private healthcare facilities across Europe, offering more than 1,500 beds.

Throughout his 25 years as pope, John Paul II was hospitalized approximately ten times for various ailments, including surgery for a benign intestinal tumor and a tracheotomy due to advanced Parkinson's disease. The hospital has developed a specialized Papal suite specifically for papal patients, often referred to as "Vatican Three," in light of St. Peter's Square (Vatican One) and the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo (Vatican Two).

The Papal suite, located on the tenth floor, comprises a minimalist apartment featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and a chapel for prayer. Security is paramount, with Italian State Police and Vatican Gendarmerie ensuring the safety of the Pope and the suite itself. Although the suite is reserved exclusively for papal patients, other individuals are treated on the same hospital floor.

A balcony adjacent to the suite provides Pope Francis with the opportunity to appear before well-wishers gathered outside, allowing him to greet them and participate in the weekly Angelus prayers. Public displays of support manifest through flowers, cards, and candles left at the base of John Paul II’s statue as the faithful pray for the current Pope's health.

Pope Benedict XVI, interestingly, never received treatment at Gemelli during his papacy but did visit when his brother was a patient in 2014. Pope Francis, well-regarded for his down-to-earth nature, has undergone several treatments during his papacy, including surgery for an intestinal hernia in addition to his recent battles with respiratory illnesses. He expresses gratitude to his medical team and has even been known to share memorable moments, such as baptizing newborns and joining hospital staff for pizza during previous stays.

With Pope Francis’s pneumonia diagnosis confirmed, attention remains focused on his health journey, as the Gemelli Hospital continues to be a centerpiece in the care for the Pontiff and a significant part of the Vatican's unique medical history.