Press Release of the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and the
President of the A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS
on the occasion of the Pope Francis’ discharge

On the occasion of the Holy Father’s discharge from hospital, the family of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCSS wish to address heartfelt best wishes for his convalescence. In the meantime, we thank him for the incomparable witness offered during his hospital stay.

Many sick people are mirrored in a suffering that Pope Francis wished to share and not to hide, confirming the profound humanity that characterises all of his Magisterium. If the Church is truly called to be a field hospital, as Pope Francis has said, the Gemelli Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery linked to it cannot but rejoice at having been able to give their own contribution to the Holy Father’s recovery.

Since his hospitalization last 14 February, the doctors and nurses have expressed their professionalism, dedication and humanity in an exemplary fashion, marked by that vocation to care passionately described by Pope Francis himself. The sincerest and most heartfelt thanks are due to them for having provided care of the highest quality, as they do for all the patients entrusted to them on a daily basis.

It is with these sentiments of joy and filial devotion that the community of the Hospital and the University express their gratitude to Pope Francis, assuring him of their closeness and support in prayer.

Elena Beccalli, Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Daniele Franco, President of the Agostino Gemelli Hospital Foundation IRCSS