Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Angela Giuffrida in Rome

Vatican calls up Atlético Madrid doctor to treat pope’s knee problem

Pope Francis
Since May, Francis, 85, has frequently been seen using a wheelchair or walking stick due to his knee ailment. Photograph: Marco Piovanotto/Ipa/Rex/Shutterstock

The head doctor at the Spanish football team Atlético de Madrid has described Pope Francis as a “very charming and very stubborn” patient, after the Vatican called him up to treat the pontiff’s enduring knee problem.

José María Villalón, a distinguished doctor in the field of sport traumatology, has been treating footballers at the club since 1995.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.