Outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a statue of Pope John Paul II serves as a poignant reminder of the institution’s historical significance in the care of the papacy.
A Historical Hospital for the Papacy
The Gemelli Hospital, known as the „Pope’s Hospital,” opened in the 1960s and has a rich history of treating popes. Built on land donated by Pope Pius XI to the theologian and physician Agostino Gemelli, it has become one of the largest private hospitals in Europe, boasting more than 1500 beds.
It was here that Pope John Paul II was treated after a failed assassination attempt in May 1981, undergoing a six-hour operation to remove a bullet from his abdomen. This marked the first time a pope had ever been treated at this prominent facility, solidifying its reputation.
Pope John Paul II’s Medical Journey
Over the course of his 25-year pontificate, Pope John Paul II was admitted to the Gemelli around 10 times. His treatments included serious conditions, such as a benign intestinal tumor, a broken hip, and a tracheotomy as his Parkinson’s disease progressed. The hospital even set up a special Papal suite in the 1980s, which remains in use today, featuring austere furnishings and a private chapel.
Pope Francis: The Latest Patient
Currently, Pope Francis is receiving treatment at the Gemelli for pneumonia affecting both lungs. His history with the hospital includes previous surgeries, such as a colon operation in 2013, and treatment for infectious bronchitis in March 2023, followed by surgery for an intestinal hernia later that year. His connection with the hospital staff is notable, as he has been seen thanking medical teams and even sharing meals with them.
The Papal Suite
The Papal suite is located on the tenth floor and features a living room, bedroom, and a chapel. Security is tight, with the corridor leading to the suite guarded by the Italian State Police, the Vatican Gendarmerie, and hospital security. The suite is reserved exclusively for popes, although other patients are treated on the same floor.
A balcony attached to the suite allows the pope to greet well-wishers gathered outside, who often leave flowers, cards, and candles at the foot of John Paul II’s statue, praying for the health of the current pontiff.
A Legacy of Care
While Pope Benedict XVI never required admission during his eight-year papacy, he did visit the Gemelli when his brother was treated there in 2014. The legacy of the hospital continues with Pope Francis, who has formed a special bond with the medical staff and the community at large, reflecting the importance of this institution in the lives of the popes and the Catholic faithful.
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