Friday, May 26, 2017

Surprise call to children in Genoa

Pope Francis has made a surprise phone call to sick children in Genoa, ahead of his one-day Apostolic Visit to the northern Italian city this Saturday, May 27, 2017.

During the course of his upcoming visit, the Holy Father will have a meeting with sick children and their families at the Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital.

Established in 1931 and now considered one of the foremost children’s hospitals in Europe, the Istituto Giannina Gaslini is a tertiary level paediatric hospital affiliated with the University of Genoa. It is formally recognized as a Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare.

While many of the sick children, ahead of the Pope’s trip, have been preparing messages and small gifts for him, the Argentine Pontiff decided to do the unexpected: give them a surprise call before his arrival.

Dear children of the Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, I greet you all with affection he said through linking-up live via telephone to a parish radio in Genoa that broadcasts a Wednesday weekly program dedicated to the children’s hospital.

It is with joy, he noted, that he looks forward to meeting, being close to, listening to them, and bringing them the caress of Jesus.

Jesus is always close to us especially when we are in difficulty and in need. He always gives us trust and hope, he said.

The Holy Father concluded the call, saying he continues praying for them and their families and reminding them to pray for him.

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