The Head of State was admitted to the Santo Spirito hospital in Rome for a scheduled pacemaker implantation.

At 83 years old, President Sergio Mattarella, a symbol of resilience, was in the hospital for a pacemaker. During the day, the President regularly carried out his commitments: institutional talks, signatures, and meetings. Then, with the discretion that distinguishes him, he went to the hospital—far from the flashes, the proclamations, the theatrics.
No urgency, no alarm. The Quirinale reassures that everything is under control. And yet, the news was enough to stop the breathing of millions of Italians. Because if Mattarella’s heart stops, even for a moment, it is as if the heart of the Republic also stops.
Professor Roberto Ricci, head of the cardiology department and Colle’s trusted doctor, will perform the surgery. The procedure is simple, the doctors say, but the emotion is inevitable. Also, during these hours, no one thinks about surgery; everyone feels about the man, from his tired but steady face to his calm voice to his sobriety, which became an example.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni immediately wrote: “My heartfelt wishes to President Mattarella for a prompt and full recovery. Italy awaits him soon, with the strength and dedication of always.”
What would happen if Mattarella could not exercise his functions even for a few days? The Constitution is clear: the President of the Senate, currently Ignazio La Russa, would take over. But no one wants to contemplate this scenario because no one wants to think of Italy without Mattarella.
He accepted a second mandate out of duty when everything around him seemed to fall apart. He who stitched the country back together in the darkest moments. He is the silent guarantee of an Italy.
He will return soon, they tell us. And the country, in these hours, beats in unison with him.