Pope Francis praises healthcare professionals for “heroic” work during pandemic

The flags at Pope Francis' Sunday Angelus are becoming increasingly diverse as pilgrims return to Rome. This week they included several from Ukraine.

On Italy's National Day for Healthcare Professionals, the Pope shared an instance of the small yet heroic gestures healthcare workers perform to show their closeness to their patients.

POPE FRANCIS
"A doctor told me this morning that in the time of Covid, a person was dying and said to him, “Hold my hand. I am dying, and I need your hand.” The heroic healthcare professionals showed this heroism in the time of Covid, but the heroism remains there every day. A round of applause and a big “thank you” to our doctors, nurses, and volunteers!"

The Pope also prayed for those affected by the deadly mudslides and flooding near Rio de Janiero, Brazil, and for Madagascar where a cyclone is expected to touch down in the coming days.

POPE FRANCIS
"May the Lord receive th victims in his peace, console their relatives and support those who come to their aid."

The Pope then greeted pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square from around the world, including a large group from cities across Spain.

JM