Pope praises clinic staff and comforts mother who lost daughter

After his release from the hospital, Pope Francis praised clinic and healthcare staff. “Hospitals demand heroism and tenderness with the sick.”, the pope told reporters on Saturday. He himself had been treated for bronchitis since Wednesday at the Gemelli Polyclinic. “When we’re sick, we’re all moody,” he added, “moods are part of illness.” Francis said he admires the people who work in clinics.

The pope reported on Wednesday that he felt unwell. Therefore, he went to the hospital of a Vatican university. There is a special papal apartment there. He was not afraid in these nearly three days, Francis said. He announced that he would participate in services on Palm Sunday, in the coming Holy Week, and on Easter.

After speaking to reporters outside the Gemelli clinic, the pope addressed a weeping woman. Their five-year-old daughter Angelica died that night as an employee whispered to the head of the Catholic Church. Francis took the woman in his arms and stroked her head. He then said a prayer with her and her partner and blessed them both. “Have courage!” he said, as heard on videos of the moment. (saw/sda/dpa)