(Vatican Radio) The Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has confirmed
Pope Francis will visit Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Teaching Hospital, although no dates
were given. The hospital serves as the medical school for the Milan-based Catholic
University of the Sacred Heart. It also serves as the hospital for the Pope, and
has a suite of room’s reserved for the Holy Father.
Writing a marking 90th
National Day of the Catholic University, Cardinal Parolin said the Holy Father wished
to mark the hospital’s 50th anniversary by visiting its patients and staff.
On
behalf of Pope Francis, the Cardinal also conveyed his deepest appreciation and heartfelt
encouragement to the entire university, so it could continue to be a “living witness”
to the Church’s commitment to the younger generation. He also noted the University’s
efforts to understand and accompany young adults in an era where Catholic educational
institutions are living through a “rapid and significant” cultural change, including
a growing multicultural society.