Pope Francis visits a care centre for the blind

This afternoon, the Holy Father, Pope Francis paid a visit to the Central Regional Hospital of Sant'Alessio-Margherita di Savoia in Rome.  This Institute, which was initially called Cristoforo Colombo, undertakes various activities aimed at promoting social inclusiveness for the blind and the visually impaired.

With this visit, the Pope wanted to continue his so-called Mercy Fridays, during which he paid private visits once a month to various institutions during the Jubilee of Mercy, retracing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in favour of those who live in situations of physical and social exclusion.

During today's visit, the Pope met the guests who are currently present, people with sensory disabilities related to the use of sight, those who have been unable to see since their birth or those who are dealing with serious pathologies as well as a few who are living with multiple disabilities.  Among them, there were approximately 50 babies, who visit the Centre in order to receive special instruction which will help them achieve small daily tasks, and 37 elderly and adults who reside within the structure.

Upon his arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Centre, Amedeo Piva, and by the Director General, Antonio Organtini, who himself was blinded later in life, as well as all the medical personnel and the volunteers who are serving at the Centre.

During his visit, the Holy Father left a gift at the Institute and signed a parchment in the Chapel of the Centre as a remembrance of his visit.

The Pope returned to the Vatican at approximately 6:00pm local time.