Despite hubbub over pope, it's business as usual at Gemelli

Published: 2005-02-03

ROME (CNS) -- The corridors of Rome's Gemelli Hospital were abuzz with conversations about Pope John Paul II's condition, but despite the fact that such a high-profile patient had taken up temporary residence patients and doctors went about their daily business. "Just because the pope is here does not mean that our hospital changes the way it operates," said Maria Fabreschi, a hospital administrator who pointed out that the pope's Feb. 1 admission was not his first at Gemelli. The 84-year-old pope was rushed to the hospital late at night after experiencing difficulty breathing, apparently a complication of the flu. It was the seventh time Pope John Paul had occupied a room in a suite set aside for him and his aides on the hospital's 10th floor. Fabreschi said Feb. 2 that although the pope's hospitalization saddened her she fulfilled her daily duties -- fielded phone calls and advised patients regarding their medical needs. "To me he is a saint," she said solemnly. "Here we all love the Holy Father."

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