Pope Francis returns to the Vatican after brief hospital visit
Pope Francis leaves after a Pentecostal mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, May 28. AP-Yonhap
Rome ― Pope Francis returned to the Vatican before noon on Tuesday after being taken briefly to hospital for some "clinical examinations," Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni announced on Tuesday.
The pontiff was taken to the Gemelli Clinic for a few hours, but the Vatican did not provide any information about the nature or purpose of the examinations.
Reports from the Italian news agency ANSA?and other outlets said he was released after what they referred to as pre-planned medical checks.
The head of the Catholic Church was hospitalized for several days at the end of March because of bronchitis. He returned to the Vatican in time for Holy Week and Easter weekend celebrations.
At the end of May, the pope had to cancel planned audiences and appointments on one day because of a fever. (dpa)