Pope Benedict XVI hospitalized

Chief of orthopedic department of the hospital Mahuel Manchini and head of resuscitation unit Enriko Vizetti made operation. Operation was made under local anaesthetic. The pontiff feels good, source in clinic said. According to preliminary estimations, the pontiff can leave hospital in the evening, RIA Novosti said.

Pope Benedict XVI was hospitalized on Friday after injuring his ankle and wrist while on vacation in the Alps.

Vatican Press Office Director Federico Lombardi said 82-year-old pontiff's injury was not serious.

According to information of Vatican sources, the pontiff slipped and fell in his bedroom. It did not deal with any indisposition or temporary loss of consciousness. Despite it, he was immediately examined by individual cardiologist and resuscitation expert.

Lombardi said that Benedict XVI feels good. It is testified by delivering mass in Le-Komb on Friday morning and had breakfast. Afterwards, the pontiff left for hospital by car at 09:45 (11:45 Moscow time).

He independently entered reception. X-ray scanning and other analyses were made immediately.

According to unofficial sources in Umberto Parini hospital, no special problems were revealed. It is not excluded that the pontiff will return to Le-Komb where he should rest by July 29.

"Nothing terrible occurred. I think Pope will continue his rest," Lombardi said.

Similar incident occurred with Joseph Ratzinger (name of pontiff) 17 years ago. That time he was prefect of Vatican congregation on dogma. 65-year-old cardinal rested in Bressanon in August 1992. He slipped and fell in bathroom and was slightly injured. He was also operated and stayed several days in hospital.

/Trend News/