Advertisement Columban MissionariesColumban Missionaries Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Pope Francis visits Rome children's hospital


Bambino Gesù hospital

Bambino Gesù hospital

Pope Francis made a visit to the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital in Rome on Saturday afternoon, touring the facility and visiting with the young patients of the care centre and with their families, as well as with medical professionals, other staff and administrators. He was welcomed in the courtyard of the facility by as many as 4,000 well-wishers. During the course of the visit, Pope Francis received the Christmas wishes of the young patients, promising prayers for their healing and offering words of encouragement.

The children had written notes to the Pope which were given to him in a basket. He told them: "Dear children. I thank you for sharing your dreams and your prayers with me. Thank you very much ... we present them together to Jesus: He knows them better than anyone - He knows what is in our heart of hearts. Especially with you children, Jesus has a special bond: He is always close to you."

Founded in 1869, the Bambin Gesù hospital has developed a high level of expertise in treating children coming not only from Rome or Italy, but also from neighbouring European countries. Pope Francis’ visit continues a tradition that began in 1958, when Bl John XXIII visited the hospital for the first time: Paul VI visited the hospital in January 1968; Bl John Paul II continued the tradition in January 1979; Benedict XVI visited the hospital in September of 2005.

A highlight of the Holy Father's visit on 21 December, 2013, was the scheduled presentation of the hospital's 'Francis House' initiative. Named after Pope Francis, the Francis House is to be a place of welcome, safety and integral care for mothers and children on the margins of society with dangerous family situations. The Francis House project aims at building a place and creating an environment in which both mothers and children will receive acceptance, psychological and social support and help with education, with a view to making guest-families able to stand on their own feet.

Source: VIS/Vatican Radio

Adverts

Ooberfuse

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon