Professor Francesco Pitrolo, personal doctor of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella to whom he was bound by a great friendship, has died.
He learns at the Quirinale.
Professor Francesco Pitrolo died in the night due to a sudden illness while he was in his lodgings at the Quirinale.
Following the mourning that affected his staff, President Mattarella canceled today's public engagements.
Doctor and personal friend of the Head of State, he is survived by his wife Yvonne and daughter Flora.
Professor Pitrolo, after a series of specialization courses in the United States, had been director of the cardiology unit of the "Cervello" hospital in Palermo and had been awarded the knighthood of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in November 2021 .
"I can't help but thank my colleagues in the department, professionally good, passionate and very cohesive, who have allowed me, despite the very difficult moment that saw us on the front line, to carry out my activity at the Presidency of the Republic. I wouldn't have made it without them," he commented after receiving the honour.
A well-known professional in Palermo, always Mattarella's personal doctor, he also often accompanied him on official visits abroad.