Vatican Pope's Personal Physician Also Dies from COVID Complications

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that Fabrizio Socorsi, the personal physician of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, died from complications related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Earlier, the Pope announced that COVID-19 vaccinations for himself and other priests would soon begin in the Vatican, but the vaccination schedule is expected to face disruptions.

According to CNN and other foreign media on the 10th (local time), Fabrizio Socorsi (78), the Pope's personal physician, passed away that day due to COVID-19 complications. He had served as the Pope's personal physician since 2015 and was hospitalized on the 26th of last month for a tumor disease he had been suffering from. It is known that he was subsequently infected with COVID-19. CNN reported that it is unknown when Socorsi last met with the Pope.

Meanwhile, the Pope had previously stated in an interview with an Italian local broadcaster the day before that he planned to receive the COVID-19 vaccine soon. He said, "Denying the vaccine endangers life," and added, "Vaccinations will start in the Vatican from next week, and I have also made a reservation."

However, with the personal physician's death due to COVID-19 complications, some disruptions to the upcoming vaccination schedule are anticipated. Depending on whether the physician had contact with the Pope and other key Vatican officials, quarantine measures may begin. It is also known that Pope Francis has some lung health issues, having had part of one lung removed during his youth.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.