Pope Francis, the 87-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, made a visit to the Gemelli Isola Tiberina Hospital in Rome on February 28, 2024, for diagnostic tests after experiencing a mild flu-like condition. This visit occurred following his general audience where he appeared in a wheelchair and had an aide read his speech for him. Despite not feeling well, Pope Francis took the time to greet the audience, shaking hands with pilgrims, blessing newlywed couples, and speaking with bishops before heading to the hospital.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis underwent the tests before returning to his Vatican residence later in the day. The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope had been unwell since at least Saturday, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled public appearances. The specific results of the diagnostic tests conducted at the hospital have not been disclosed by the Vatican.

Italian media observed Pope Francis leaving the Vatican in a white Fiat 500, an hour before the official announcement of his hospital visit. The pope's dedication to engaging with the public, despite his illness, was evident as he interacted with those present at the audience before seeking medical attention.