The report in the Quotidiano Nazionale newspaper was "seriously irresponsible and not worthy of attention," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement. "As all can see, the pope continues to exercise his intense activity without interruption and in an absolutely normal way."
In the report citing unnamed sources published Wednesday, the Quotidiano Nazionale said the 78-year-old pontiff traveled to the San Rossore di Barbaricina clinic near Pisa in Tuscany to see a Japanese doctor named Takanori Fukushima "some time ago."
The doctor determined a small dark spot on the pope's brain could be treated without surgery. In later versions of the story, Quotidiano Nazionale reported that Fukushima and his staff had instead flown to Rome by Vatican helicopter.
QuotidianoNazionale largely based the article on the account of a nurse at the clinic who reportedly saw medical notes under Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the pontiff’s real name, AFP reported.
Andrea Cangini, editor of Quotidiano Nazionale, said Lombardi's denial was expected but he was standing by the story. "This denial is understandable and to be expected. We waited a long time before publishing the report in order to carry out every possible check. We don't have the slightest doubt that it is founded," he said, according to AFP.
Hour later, Lombardi reiterated his denial of the report. “I fully confirm my previous statement, having verified the facts with the appropriate sources, including the Holy Father," he said in another statement. "No Japanese doctor has visited the pope in the Vatican and there have been no examinations of the type indicated in the article."
"I am able to confirm that the pope is in good health," he added. "I reiterate that the publication of this false information is a grave act of irresponsibility, absolutely inexcusable and unconscionable."
Who do we believe?
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