The Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, also known as the 'Pope's Hospital,' has been declared the top pediatric hospital in Europe. The hospital beats out 2,500 centers from 32 countries, ranking number 6 throughout the world.
Since its founding, Bambino Gesù has been supported by the popes, resulting in the hospital becoming the top center for caring for sick children.
Founded in 1869, Bambino Gesù began with only 12 beds in Rome. The place eventually became Italy's first pediatric hospital.
Thanks to Pope Pius XI's permission, the Dukes Salviati donated the hospital to the Holy See. Then, in 1924 the hospital received the title the 'Pope's hospital.'
And the hospital's relationship with the popes has produced moments like this:
Pope Saint John XXIII established the tradition of seeing children in the hospital at Christmas. Pope Saint Paul VI made a large donation and Pope Saint John Paul II visited the hospital in 1979 and 1982. And Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis saw the children regularly, blessing them and supporting their families.
Interestingly, several extreme cases have been treated in Bambino Gesù, showcasing its prestige. The hospital's president recalls one story...
TIZIANO ONESTI
President of Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù
At one point, we were told there was a child with a serious tumor—a neuroblastoma, I believe—and the French doctors themselves told me, ‘Hope lies with Bambino Gesù in Rome.’ So we took in this child, who, unfortunately, was expected to die. And the child is still alive today.
In 2017, conjoined twins named Francine and Adrienne arrived at the hospital from Burundi. The twins were joined at the back, and they shared a spinal cord and part of the lower intestine. Their surgery lasted 12 hours and involved 25 medical professionals, but was ultimately successful.
Another set of conjoined twins connected at the head were later successfully separated, and Pope Francis baptized them.
This hospital achieved a historic milestone worldwide when a 15 month old named Ivan was suffering from a severe heart condition. In 1986, he became the first baby to receive a heart transplant.
This prestigious hospital has also welcomed and treated children from countries affected by war. Pope Francis personally went to visit them.
TIZIANO ONESTI
President of Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù
The last visit was very moving. I was not president of Bambino Gesù at the time, but I witnessed it indirectly when the Ukrainian children came in 2022. There, the Pope showed his deep closeness to a part—the most vulnerable part—of society, because children… a war… We do not get involved in the war, but Bambino Gesù is always there for life. So we welcomed them all. There were many of them, and it was very significant. The Holy Father, at that moment, showed us great compassion.
However, this is not the only Roman hospital ranked highly across the globe. The Gemelli Hospital is not owned by the Vatican, but in 2026 it was recognized as Italy's best hospital. Additionally, Gemelli Hospital ranks number 1 for specialty departments like oncology and cardiology.
Most of the faithful are probably familiar with the Gemelli Hospital because several popes have been treated there. In 2025, Pope Francis stayed on the 10th floor for three months. Before that, Pope Saint John Paul II was hospitalized there for 153 days.
Notably, after Pope Saint John Paul II was shot in St. Peter's Square, he was rushed to the Gemelli Hospital. This cemented a tradition of considering the hospital the popes' primary medical center.
When considering its history and signifigance, this acknowledgement comes as no surprise. Rome's Gemelli Hospital has remained the Holy See's primary medical center.
