EU Anticipates Swift Recovery for Italian President Mattarella After Surgery

Rome: The European Union expects President Sergio Mattarella to make a speedy recovery from his pacemaker operation and return to top form soon, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed on X Wednesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, von der Leyen shared her message in Italian, stating, “I join all Italians in wishing a speedy recovery to President Mattarella. Dear President, all of Europe hopes to see you back in top form soon.”

Eighty-three-year-old Mattarella was reported to be “fine” and in a “stable” condition on Wednesday after undergoing surgery at Rome’s Santo Spirito hospital late on Tuesday to have a pacemaker inserted. The head of state had the operation at 8 PM on Tuesday following his scheduled engagements for the day.

Mattarella spent a quiet night in the hospital’s cardiology department, showing no symptoms following the operation. He was reportedly reading newspapers on his iPad on Wednesday morning. Mattarella’s office emphasized that the surgery was planned and not a cause for concern.

Sources indicated that Santo Spirito typically discharges patients within 48 hours after such operations. Consequently, Mattarella could potentially be released later on Wednesday, though Thursday appears more likely.

The announcement of Mattarella’s hospital admission prompted a wave of well-wishes from politicians across the spectrum, including Premier Giorgia Meloni. “My warmest wishes to President Mattarella for a speedy and full recovery,” Meloni shared on social media. “Italy awaits you soon, with the same strength and dedication as always.”