New Vatican health director named

August 03, 2015

Pope Francis has named Alfredo Pontecorvi, an endocrinologist and university professor, as the new director of the Department of Health and Hygiene for the Vatican City State.

According to the Vatican, the department "is responsible for providing health care and medical services to citizens and residents of Vatican City, as well as to employees of the Holy See and of Vatican City State. It runs a 24-hour first-aid station, organizes visits to specialists and coordinates medical tests."

In the past, the department's director has also served as the Pope's personal physician. La Stampa reported, however, that Pontecorvi will not serve as Pope Francis's physician.

Pontecorvi succeeds Patrizio Polisca, who remains Pope Emeritus Benedict's personal physician.

 

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Further information:

• Rinunce e nomine (Holy See Press Office)
• Vatican health director will step down (CWN, 7/28)
• Alfredo Pontecorvi is the new director of Vatican Health Services (Vatican Insider)
• Administrations and Central Offices (Vatican City State)