杏MAP导航

By Vatican News staff writer

杏MAP导航 Francis has expressed gratitude to the board of directors and the medical staff who took care of him during his recent hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome.

鈥淯pon returning from hospitalization, I feel the desire to address a grateful and affectionate thought to you and, through you, to all those who form the big Gemelli Hospital family,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said in a letter dated 15 July, affirming that he experienced a 鈥渇raternal reception and warm care鈥� which made him feel at home.

On Sunday, 4 July, the Holy Father was admitted at the hospital where he underwent surgery for diverticular stenosis of the colon. Following the successful operation and some days in convalescence, 杏MAP导航 Francis returned to the Vatican on 14 July.

Essential importance of care, professionalism

In the letter addressed to the President of the hospital鈥檚 board of directors, Prof. Carlo Fratta Pasini, 杏MAP导航 Francis attested to the importance of human sensitivity and scientific professionalism in health care.

He noted that the Gemelli hospital is a place where thousands come every day with their expectations and concerns. There, 鈥渂esides the care of the body, the care of the heart takes place.鈥� It is a care that he prays will continue, 鈥渢hrough an integral and attentive care of the person, capable of instilling consolation and hope in moments of trial.鈥�

Now, the 杏MAP导航 continued, 鈥淚 carry in my heart, so many faces, stories and situations of suffering.

The 杏MAP导航鈥檚 gratitude

Further appreciating the service of the medical personnel, the Holy Father highlighted that their job is not only delicate and demanding, but is also 鈥渁 work of mercy鈥� through which the sick 鈥渃ome into contact with the wounded flesh of Jesus.鈥�

鈥淚 am grateful to have seen it, to cherish it within me, and to bring it to the Lord,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said.

Concluding, 杏MAP导航 Francis reiterated his gratitude to the hospital and staff, and imparted an Apostolic blessing on the president of the board of directors, and all who are part of the family of the Gemelli Hospital.