Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was admitted to a hospital in Milan for a scheduled checkup Friday.
The 86-year-old Italian politician returned to the hospital just weeks after he was discharged after a long stay due to a lung infection linked to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells.
The San Raffaele Hospital in Milan stated Berlusconi would "undergo scheduled tests in connection with his known hematological pathology." The hospital also stated the checks were not related to "any criticality or alarm" and was only routine check-up.
Berlusconi's health has rapidly deteriorated in recent years since his open-heart surgery in 2016 and a number of hospital admissions due to COVID-19.
Berlusconi served as prime minister of Italy from 1994-1995, 2001-2006, and 2008-2011. His Forza Italia party is currently part of the coalition government of Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. While no longer prime minister, he still holds a seat in the Italian parliament and serves as an elder statesman for the Meloni coalition government.
A Forza Italia source said Berlusconi might spend the night in hospital. Previously, a government source told Reuters he had a scheduled meeting with senior Forza Italia members at his house on Saturday, but there are no updates on the agenda or if it would even happen.
Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini's League party also stated he had a conversation with Berlusconi, including "a couple of jokes about football."
I sincerely appreciate the prayers and numerous expressions of closeness and affection received in the past few days. I am praying for everyone, especially those who suffer. I ask you to keep me in your prayers.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 9, 2023
Pope Francis Remains in Hospital
Meanwhile, Pope Francis is currently recovering at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after a three-hour laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery on Wednesday (June 7).
"I am praying for everyone, especially those who suffer," the pontiff stated on Twitter. "I ask you to keep me in your prayers."
The pope's tweet was filled with messages of support, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella also sent his best wishes to the pope.
Both Pope Francis and Berlusconi are in their 80s.
Related Article: Pope Francis Recovering in Hospital After Surgery
