Italian newspaper Quotidiano Nazionale has published a front-page news story on Francis’ supposed ill health: a small benign tumour which can apparently be cured. The Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi has denied the report outright: “No Japanese doctor has visited the Pope in the Vatican and there have been no examinations of the type indicated in the article.
“There have been no arrivals of external parties in the Vatican by helicopter and the Pope is in good health”.
This morning, Italian newspapers Il Giorno, La Nazione and Il Resto del Carlino published the news about Francis’ alleged ill health on their front pages. They claim that some months ago, the Pope was diagnosed with a small benign brain tumour that is treatable and requires no surgery. The false news was apparently leaked by the San Rossore di Barbaricina clinic near the Italian city of Pisa, where Quotidiano Nazionale claims a helicopter was seen one morning about a month ago. “Those who saw it, said they noticed yellow and white insignia on the side as it flew very close over some local villas.”
“According to some eye witnesses,” the article reds, “just a few minutes after landing, professor Takanori Fukushima and some other members of his équipe apparently exited the clinic.” According to Quotidiano Nazionale, the professor noticed a small curable brain tumour.
The director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, stated:” I reiterate that the publication of this false information is a grave act of irresponsibility, absolutely inexcusable and unconscionable. Furthermore, as everyone can clearly see, the Pope is continuing his very intense schedule of activities as normal.”
This morning, the Holy See Press Office denied there having been any flights from the Vatican to Tuscany and vice versa, except from the very recent reconnaissance flight to Prato and Florence ahead of Francis’s scheduled trip on 10 November. It is also common knowledge that the Vatican does not use helicopters but Italian Airforce aircraft.
Lombardi also denied media reports during the Synod press briefing: “No Japanese doctor has visited the Pope in the Vatican and there have been no examinations of the type indicated in the article. The competent offices have confirmed that there have been no arrivals of external parties in the Vatican by helicopter; similarly, there were no arrivals of this type during the month of January.” “I fully confirm my previous statement, having verified the facts with the appropriate sources, including the Holy Father.”
The Vatican spokesman confirmed that “the Pope is in good health”. There is nothing wrong with his brain (he just has some problems in the movement of his legs”.
Finally, he stressed: “I reiterate that the publication of this false information is a grave act of irresponsibility, absolutely inexcusable and unconscionable. It would be equally unjustifiable to continue to fuel similarly unfounded information. It is hoped, therefore, that this matter be closed immediately.”
