House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Hospitalized, Released in Rome

March 21, 2011— -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was hospitalized in Rome this morning and later released after feeling unwell following a weekend trip to Afghanistan, her office said today.

The former House Speaker, in Italy with a bipartisan Congressional delegation to celebrate the country's 150th anniversary, abruptly cancelled a meeting with the Italian Defense Minister to seek medical attention for what the news agency ANSA described as a "fainting spell."

"After several flights yesterday in Afghanistan, and a long flight back to Italy that arrived early this morning, Leader Pelosi was not feeling well," Pelosi's office said in a statement. "This morning in Rome, the Leader was advised to visit a clinic, and the closest medical facility was a hospital."

Pelosi later returned to her hotel and has resumed her schedule, aides said. Later this afternoon the U.S. delegation was to attend a concert in the Italian parliament as part of the anniversary celebrations.

"Thanks to everyone for your well wishes--had a very productive trip to Afghanistan and am in Italy resuming meetings now," Pelosi said on Twitter.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome said it was aware of reports of Pelosi's hospitalization, but had no further comment.

Over the weekend Pelosi and the bipartisan delegation flew to Kabul, Afghanistan to meet with President Hamid Karzai, U.S. troops and military officials.

ABC News' Jonathan Karl contributed to this report.