In 1869, an Italian noble family decided to dedicate their estate to charity. In their house, they set up four beds for sick children that nuns began to care for. It was the ‘first stone’ of what would be the first pediatric hospital in the country, the Bambino Gesù. Just one hundred years ago, the Salviati decided to donate this medical center to the Holy See, which has not only maintained this social work but has turned it into a world-renowned sanatorium, and not only because it is the hospital of the Popes. In fact, it is planned to open a new headquarters in Rome.
This centenary celebration became visible this morning, through an audience with Pope Francis in the Paul VI Hall. The Argentine pontiff, through a speech read by the priest Filippo Ciampanelli, who has already helped him on other occasions with his bronchitis problems, invited those present to increase his mission from three axes: generosity, care and community .
Contrasting feelings
“Thank you! Thanks for all this. Keep going in this blessed work.” the Pope emphasized in his speech. And he explained the reason: “I confess that when I go to the Bambino Gesù I have two opposing feelings: I feel pain for the suffering of the sick children and their parents; but at the same time I feel great hope, seeing everything that is done there to cure them.”
Francisco highlighted how the hospital has become a benchmark in research and treatment that has as a priority “to the reception of needy children from all over the world, offered without distinction of social status, nationality or religion.” From there, he encouraged the entire health community to maintain this “special attention to the most vulnerable, such as patients suffering from serious, rare or ultra-rare diseases.” “And not only that,” appreciated the Argentine pontiff, “but, so that science and specialized knowledge do not continue to be the privilege of a few, I urge you to continue making the fruits of your research available to all, especially there.” where they are needed most, as they do, for example, by contributing to the training of African, Asian and Middle Eastern doctors and nurses.”
Difficult conditions
But, beyond the medical quality, the Pope stressed how the Bambino Gesú teams are recognizable for their “kindness and closeness.” “This is a qualifying element that should never be overlooked, although I know that sometimes we work in difficult conditions,” admitted Jorge Mario Bergoglio. “There is no care without relationship, closeness and tenderness, at all levels,” he underlined the Pope’s text right after.
Adding the most important aspect, Pedro’s Successor reminded the hospital professionals that their work is “a mission”: “Lives that help life.” In his speech, the pontiff highlighted everyday details such as volunteering at the center, donating blood, milk, organs, cells or tissues. “Love leads some parents to the heroic act of consenting to organ donation for their children who were unable to do so,” the Pope applauded.
2024-03-16 19:02:20
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