In a handwritten note to Rome’s Spallanzani Hospital, specializing in infectious diseases and treating the Italian capital’s coronavirus victims, Pope Francis thanked them for their generosity and expressed his closeness.
The news of the Pope’s letter was communicated on the hospital’s official Twitter account, with a photo of the message, with the caption: ‘the sincere support, the real wish for closeness, and the words of respect and admiration for our work, from the Holy Father, makes us proud…»
Il sostegno sincero, la reale volontà di vicinanza e le parole di rispetto e ammirazione per il nostro operato da parte del Santo Padre ci rendono orgogliosi.❤@marta_branca @vaticannews_it @vatican_it @Pontifex_it pic.twitter.com/rBlIHiHFW6
— INMI Spallanzani Official (@INMISpallanzani) April 17, 2020
In his message, the Holy Father thanked the director for his letter.
“I know,» Francis acknowledged, «all that the doctors, nurses, porters and administrative staff are doing.»
«I know,» he continued, «that their generosity has no limits.”
Francis expressed how he would like to be close to them all at this moment, and thanked them for their living witness.»
Lamenting that it’s not feasible to do a video call, the Pope said: «I would like these lines to make me present among you, to say with you all: only together will we make it.”
Pope Francis concluded, saying: “Thank you, thank you very much!” He then imparted on them the Lord’s blessing.
Anne Kurian contributed to this article
