The 82-year-old Pontiff, who was enjoying a two-week summer break in the Italian Alps, tripped over during the night as he was leaving a bathroom next to his bedroom. He twisting his ankle and fractured his right wrist.
He went back to sleep and in the morning was able to walk into a hospital in Aosta to be examined. After an X-ray, Benedict XVI, who is an avid pianist in his leisure time, received a small operation on his wrist under local anesthetic. Doctors said he was well enough to joke with surgeons.
Officials said the treatment "went well" and denied initial reports that the Pope had suffered a "dizzy spell" that had caused his fall.
Dr Patrizio Polisca, the pope's personal physician who attended the hospital, said: "The Holy Father's overall condition is good."
He went back to sleep and in the morning was able to walk into a hospital in Aosta to be examined. After an X-ray, Benedict XVI, who is an avid pianist in his leisure time, received a small operation on his wrist under local anesthetic. Doctors said he was well enough to joke with surgeons.
Officials said the treatment "went well" and denied initial reports that the Pope had suffered a "dizzy spell" that had caused his fall.
Dr Patrizio Polisca, the pope's personal physician who attended the hospital, said: "The Holy Father's overall condition is good."
The Holy Father appeared to be in very good spirits as he greeted the staff while leaving the hospital. Thank God it wasn't a more serious injury!
Painful break, that. Oh well, at least he's (doubtless) offering it up for our sins.
Posted by: Ed Peters | Friday, July 17, 2009 at 01:20 PM
I think this is the second time that a recent pope has been injured coming out of a bathtub. They should really install a safer kind (the one with a door that opens before the tub fills. These injuries seem unnecessary.
Posted by: Jack | Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 06:09 AM
What report said he fell in the bath?
I thought the reports said he tripped leaving the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Posted by: Thomas | Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Maybe a little too much vino? It's a good thing he didn't get a more serious injury.
Posted by: Ajlouny | Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 08:09 PM