Pope Hospitalized With Broken Wrist

The pontiff slipped and fell in his chalet in the Alps, Italian media said. Hospital tests showed he broke his wrist.

The Stampa online edition said the pope would soon undergo surgery.

However, Vatican Press Office Director Federico Lombardi said the injury was not serious. Father Federico Lombardi, said: "The Holy Father fell over, it is nothing serious and he has gone to the Parini hospital in Aosta for a check up."

This is the first major health scare for Pope Benedict since he was elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church in April 2005 - although it is not the first time he has slipped.

Earlier this year at a ceremony he tripped as he left the altar at the end of a service but he managed to right himself and avoid falling to the floor.

Prepared by Armen Hareyan
Materials from RIA Novosti and Telegraph are used for this report.