A renowned Italian surgeon who operated on Pope Francis twice is being investigated by authorities, according to the Gemelli hospital in Rome, following media reports of potential fraud.
Sergio Alfieri is suspected of falsely declaring that he was the operating surgeon “in many cases” while actually being someplace else entirely, according to Italy’s La Stampa daily, which claims it was a scheme to pocket extra private sector costs.
According to Alfieri’s lawyer Carlo Bonzano, the surgeon “is certain he has always respected the rules,” while Alfieri himself told the Repubblica daily that he was “not at all concerned.”
In a statement, the Gemelli said it “expresses its trust in the judiciary that is carrying out the investigation, to which it continues to ensure the widest collaboration, with a view to clarifying every aspect.”
“At the same time, it expresses the utmost trust in Professor Sergio Alfieri’s work and in his indisputable professional and human qualities,” it said.
John Paul II dubbed the Gemelli hospital “Vatican III” since it is the preferred choice of pontiffs.
In June, Alfieri operated on Francis at the hospital for a hernia, and he will have colon surgery in 2021. The Vatican did not respond to questions about the probe.