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Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital after a five-week stay for double pneumonia. On the same day, Vatican doctors extended their Lenten alms initiative by providing medical care to migrants.
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Service of Charity, emphasized the significance of Lent as a time for meaningful almsgiving. "The time of Lent is a special time of almsgiving, when we share ourselves with others. This almsgiving must cost us, must hurt us," he told OSV News.
On March 23, twelve doctors served migrants on the outskirts of Rome. Cardinal Krajewski highlighted the plight of approximately 500 refugees living in a skyscraper without access to medical care or documentation. "That's why we arrived in two ambulances from the Vatican, and throughout the day we were trying to put alms into action," he explained.
The Mother of Mercy clinic in St. Peter’s Square continues efforts to support those in need. The clinic was established before Christmas in 2018 and provides services like showers and a barbershop. All volunteering doctors work regularly in Roman hospitals and treated 1,300 people in February alone.
"We have 82 volunteers and we are open all week long," Cardinal Krajewski stated, noting that each doctor has one or two on-calls at the clinic. The Lenten initiative was an additional activity for them.
"It is a beautiful time, especially for those people who can be examined and receive the most important first aid," Cardinal Krajewski said. He added that it is also a time for sharing God's gifts with others.
Paulina Guzik is international editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @Guzik_Paulina.
