Jerusalem's Catholic Hospital Wins Papal Praise

The Pope expressed his gratitude Saturday when receiving in audience the members of the hospital's international board of trustees.

"I take this opportunity to encourage you, and all associated with the work of the hospital, always to give the best of yourselves in generous service to the sick, with the greatest respect for their human dignity and their unique value in the eyes of God," the Holy Father said when welcoming his guests.

"I appreciate the praiseworthy sense of solidarity and concern for the needs of the Palestinian community which led to the establishment of St. Joseph's as the only Catholic hospital in Jerusalem," he added in his English-language address. "May the hospital continue to find moral and material support both in the Holy Land and abroad."