Pope’s doctor dies from COVID-19 complications

VATICANCITY: Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died of complications from COVID-19, according to the Vatican’s newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

Fabrizio Soccorsi, 78, was reportedly hospitalized in Rome on December 26 for a previous health issue.

Soccorsi, died at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after he was admitted in December. While he also was dealing with an “oncological pathology,” COVID was the cause of death.

Soccorsi was named Francis’ personal physician in August 2015.

It’s not clear when he was last in contact with the pope.

The pontiff has said the Vatican will begin COVID-19 vaccinations next week, and that he will be in line to receive the shot.