VATICAN INSIDER: ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS ALL’ITALIANA – POPE MARKS 60 YEARS OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY MEDICAL FACULTIES – POPE FRANCIS TO TRAVEL TO CYPRUS AND GREECE IN DECEMBER – POPE: NEW APOSTOLIC LIBRARY EXHIBIT SPACE BEARS WITNESS TO BEAUTY

VATICAN INSIDER: ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS ALL’ITALIANA

In Vatican Insider on this first weekend of November, in place of what is normally the interview segment after the news and a Q&A, I offer a special look at some lovely traditions in Italy, a slice of life that is just a few days each year – holy days and holidays celebrated in big fashion, year after year. I look at the feasts of All Saints and All Souls and their celebrations all’italiana.

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POPE MARKS 60 YEARS OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY MEDICAL FACULTIES

Pope Francis on Friday morning celebrated an outdoor Mass at Rome’s Gemelli Catholic University Hospital to mark the 60th anniversary of its Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, named for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The hospital and its University campus is one of the most important and internationally acclaimed care providers in Italy.

Francis in his homily reflected on the faculty’s name and on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to whom we dedicate the first Friday of the month.

He thanked the staff for the care he received there in July, and reflected on how devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can help care workers be guided in their mission to heal and comfort the sick.

For the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Sacred Heart Catholic University is donating basic necessity medicines to health facilities in Lebanon, Syria and Sudan through the almsgiver of the Holy See Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.

POPE FRANCIS TO TRAVEL TO CYPRUS AND GREECE IN DECEMBER

The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis will undertake a 5-day Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece in early December, spending December 2 to 4 in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and journeying to Greece from the 4^th to the 6th. In Greece he will visit Athens and Lesbos. The trip is upon the invitation of the countries’ civil authorities and Bishops’ Conferences.

POPE: NEW APOSTOLIC LIBRARY EXHIBIT SPACE BEARS WITNESS TO BEAUTY

Pope Francis visited the Vatican Apostolic Library Friday afternoon to inaugurate a new permanent exhibition area, and he urged the Church to bear witness to the importance of beauty and culture.

By Devin Watkins (vaticannews)

The Apostolic Library is opening up to the public for the first time with a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Pope Francis inaugurated the new space on Friday evening, which was financed by the heirs of the American entrepreneur and philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian.

Beauty touches the soul
In a speech to participants in the event, the Pope reflected on the theme of beauty and how the Church must bear witness to the importance of beauty and culture.

“Beauty,” he said, “is not a fleeting illusion of an appearance or of an ornament; rather, it is born from the root of goodness, truth, and justice, which are its synonyms.”

He added that the human person needs both bread and culture, “which touches the soul, and which brings the human being to our most profound dignity.”

Pope Francis also encouraged the Apostolic Library to preserve the past while translating Christian history into new languages.

Humanity on its way
During his visit, the Pope also spent some time admiring a site-specific exhibition by Italian artist Pietro Ruffo. The exhibit goes under the title “Everyone: Humanity on its way.” It recalls the Pope’s encyclical Fratelli tutti, and turns part of the space into “a lush tropical forest.”

It offers a journey through historic artefacts from the Library, including charts and a 6-metre-long (19-6 feet) 17th century map of the Nile made by Evliya Çelebi, concluding with utopic and allegorical maps created by Mr. Ruffo.

Journey through human history and dreams
The exhibit, explained Don Giacomo Cardinali who oversees the new space, explores “non-geographical cartography.”

“Throughout the history of humanity,” he said, “people have used the representative power of the map not only to describe the objectivity of the Earth, but also our own interiority, ideals, journeys, discoveries, and convictions.”

Mr. Ruffo, he added, has put together an exhibit that will show the visitor “allegorical, theological, satirical, and sentimental maps, as well as maps of desire and of protest, of humanity’s dreams and desperation.”

In his speech, the Pope noted that humanity needs “new maps” in order to discover fraternity, social friendship, and the common good.

“A closed-off mindset is sterile and full of uncertainty,” said the Pope. “We need a new beauty which is not the usual reflection of the power of a select few but is a courageous mosaic of the diversity of all people.”

The temporary exhibition will be open to the public until February 25, 2022 every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 6 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the website of the Apostolic Library.

Space for culture of encounter
According to Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Archivist of the Apostolic Library, the new exhibition space is meant to promote a culture of encounter.

“One expects such a large library to help realize what Pope Francis has prophetically called a ‘culture of encounter’,” said the Cardinal. “It is a place where books encounter readers to trace new paths, where knowledge preserved as memory may encounter the questions that modern life asks of us, and where history encounters the present, opening up new perspectives not only on what we have been but also on what we can become.”

POPE EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO GEMELLI HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF

POPE EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO GEMELLI HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF

In a letter, Pope Francis conveys his gratitude to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital administration and staff where he was recently hospitalized for a scheduled surgery. He describes the hospital as a place that takes care of both body and heart.

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has expressed gratitude to the board of directors and the medical staff who took care of him during his recent hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome.

“Upon returning from hospitalization, I feel the desire to address a grateful and affectionate thought to you and, through you, to all those who form the big Gemelli Hospital family,” the Pope said in a letter dated 15 July, affirming that he experienced a “fraternal reception and warm care” which made him feel at home.

On Sunday, July 4, the Holy Father was admitted at the hospital where he underwent surgery for diverticular stenosis of the colon. Following the successful operation and some days in convalescence, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on July 14.

Essential importance of care, professionalism

In the letter addressed to the president of the hospital’s board of directors, Prof. Carlo Fratta Pasini, Pope Francis attested to the importance of human sensitivity and scientific professionalism in health care.

He noted that the Gemelli hospital is a place where thousands come every day with their expectations and concerns. There, “besides the care of the body, the care of the heart takes place.” It is a care that he prays will continue, “through an integral and attentive care of the person, capable of instilling consolation and hope in moments of trial.”

Now, the Pope continued, “I carry in my heart, so many faces, stories and situations of suffering.”

The Pope’s gratitude

Further appreciating the service of the medical personnel, the Holy Father highlighted that their job is not only delicate and demanding, but is also “a work of mercy” through which the sick “come into contact with the wounded flesh of Jesus.”

“I am grateful to have seen it, to cherish it within me, and to bring it to the Lord,” the Pope said.

Concluding, Pope Francis reiterated his gratitude to the hospital and staff, and imparted an Apostolic blessing on the president of the board of directors, and all who are part of the family of the Gemelli Hospital.

 

POPE VISITS PEDIATRIC CANCER WARD AT GEMELLI HOSPITAL

POPE VISITS PEDIATRIC CANCER WARD AT GEMELLI HOSPITAL

Pope Francis this afternoon visited Gemelli Hospital’s pediatric cancer ward which is on the hospital’s 10^th floor, the same floor where the papal suite is located. (Photos Holy See Press Office).

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POPE CONTINUES TREATMENT, HAS SPECIAL THOUGHTS FOR BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS

POPE CONTINUES TREATMENT, HAS SPECIAL THOUGHTS FOR BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS

July 13, 2021: Holy See Press Office: “The Holy Father is continuing his planned treatment and rehabilitation, which will allow him to return to the Vatican as soon as possible. Among the many patients he has met during these days, he addressed a special thought to those who are bedridden and cannot return home: may they live this time as an opportunity, even if experienced in pain, to open themselves with tenderness to their sick brother or sister in the next bed, with whom they share the same human frailty.”

POPE FRANCIS TO REMAIN HOSPITALIZED FOR SEVERAL DAYS

POPE FRANCIS TO REMAIN HOSPITALIZED FOR SEVERAL DAYS

July 12, 2021: Statement by Holy See Press Office director, Matteo Bruni (released only in Italian today):

His Holiness Pope Francis spent a quiet day and completed the post-operative course.

In order to optimize the medical and rehabilitation therapy, the Holy Father will remain hospitalized for a few more days.

Yesterday, before the recitation of the Angelus, he wanted to meet some young patients from the nearby oncology ward with their families who, subsequently, accompanied him to the 10th floor balcony on the occasion of the Marian prayer

At the end, he greeted the patients hospitalized on the floor, chatting briefly with the medical and nursing staff. In the afternoon he celebrated Holy Mass in the private chapel with the staff who assist him daily.

In sharing the joy of the victory of the Argentine and Italian national teams with the people who are close to him, His Holiness dwelt on the meaning of sport and its values, and on that sporting ability to be able to accept any result, even defeat : “Only in this way, faced with the difficulties of life, can we always get involved, fighting without giving up, with hope and trust.”

 

JULY 11: POPE FRANCIS AT THE ANGELUS FROM GEMELLI HOSPITAL

JULY 11: POPE FRANCIS AT THE ANGELUS FROM GEMELLI HOSPITAL

Photos from EWTN’s Pablo Esparza: Pope Francis delivering Angelus reflections and blessing from balcony of papal suite on Sunday, July 11:

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In this photo, it seems Francis has a bandage on his right hand:

 

POPE SAID MASS FRIDAY, DINED WITH MEDICAL PERSONNEL

POPE SAID MASS FRIDAY, DINED WITH MEDICAL PERSONNEL

July 10, 2021: Press Office statement referring to Friday, July 9 on the continuing recovery of Pope Francis following July 4 surgery: “Pope Francis’ day was calm, with the expected clinical progress. His blood tests are satisfactory and he is continuing the prescribed treatment. He is gradually resuming work and continues to stroll in the hall of the apartment. In the afternoon, he celebrated Holy Mass in the private chapel and in the evening he dined with those who are assisting him during these days. The Holy Father, experiencing first-hand the human dedication of the medical and health personnel assisting him, addresses a special thought to all those who with care and compassion choose the face of suffering, engaging in a personal relationship with the sick, especially the most fragile and vulnerable.”

POPE FRANCIS, WITHOUT FEVER, WORKS, READS, WALKS IN HALLWAY, CELEBRATES MASS – CHILDREN IN ONCOLOGY WARD WRITE POPE, SEND DRAWING

POPE FRANCIS, WITHOUT FEVER, WORKS, READS, WALKS IN HALLWAY, CELEBRATES MASS

JULY 9, 2021: Statement by Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni on Pope Francis’ continuing recovery from surgery: “His Holiness Pope Francis spent a quiet day with normal clinical progress. He continued to eat regularly and continues his scheduled treatment. He walked in the hallway and resumed his work, alternating it with moments of reading texts. In the afternoon, he celebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of his private apartment, attended by all those assisting him during his hospitalisation. Following the brief episode with a slight temperature, the Holy Father is without fever. This coming Sunday the Angelus is scheduled to be recited from the tenth floor of Gemelli University Hospital. The Holy Father gives thanks for the many messages of affection and closeness that he receives daily and asks that we continue to pray for him.”

CHILDREN IN ONCOLOGY WARD WRITE POPE, SEND DRAWING

Vatican news reports that children in the oncology ward of Gemelli Hospital have written to the Pope, expressing their closeness to him in an affectionate letter. One patient also drew a likeness of Pope Francis with a prayer for his speedy recovery. The Pope in previous days had expressed his closeness to cancer patients and all who are suffering. (Vatican media photo)

“We have learned that you are not so well and that you are now in the same hospital as us,” starts a letter the children wrote to Francis, who read it. “Even if we can’t see each other, we send you a big hug and we wish you to get well soon”.

THE WORLD WISHES POPE FRANCIS A SPEEDY “GET WELL”

We are not expecting another bulletin tonight about Pope Francis as, unless something had greatly changed, it would undoubtedly just reiterate what previous bulletins have said: Pope doing well, resting and in good spirits. And that, of course, is the best news!

THE WORLD WISHES POPE FRANCIS A SPEEDY “GET WELL”

Get well wishes and prayers are arriving for Pope Francis from around the world from religious leaders, heads of State and government and simple Catholic faithful who want “their Pope” to heal quickly and completely as he recovers from intestinal surgery on July 4 in Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

*** Built in 1964, Agostino Gemelli Hospital is Rome’s largest hospital and the second largest in all of Italy with its 1,575 beds. It was named for Fr. Agostino Gemelli (January 1878 – July 1959), an Italian Franciscan friar, physician and psychologist. It has a suite of rooms on the 10^th floor, including a small chapel, readied for Popes when the occasion arises.

Messages are arriving in great numbers on social media in particular, whereas world civil and religious leaders send emails and telegrams as well as use social media, according to Vatican News reports in Italian and French.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople expressed his closeness to Pope Francis and “fraternal wishes for a rapid convalescence.” He promised prayers and said he was confident of an excellent outcome of the operation.

The Grand Imam of Al Azhar University, Ahmad al-Tayyeb sent wishes via Twitter to his “dear brother” and confirmed the fraternal friendship that links them. He expressed his hope for “a rapid recovery that will restore him to his mission for mankind.”

“May the Lord sustain him with the tenderness of His love” is the message sent by the Anglican Center of Rome, adding that the Holy Father is in their heart.

Additional get well wishes came from Rome’s Jewish community from Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni who tweeted on Sunday: “My best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Pope who has to face a difficult surgery.”

Closeness to Pope Francis in this trying time of recovery was also expressed by the Sant’Egidio Community.

Among the very first messages to arrive for Pope Francis on Sunday was that from Italian President Sergio Mattarella who heard of the surgery as he was enroute to France. He expressed his personal “affectionate thoughts” as well as those of the entire Italian people, together with wishes for a “good convalescence and even better and speedy recovery.” His sentiments were shared by Prime Minister Mario Draghi and members of the Italian government.

Italian bishops tweeted their individual best wishes and prayerful support, together with a message from Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Special wishes came in from the Vicariate of the diocese of Rome, whose bishop is the Pope. Expressing “filial devotion in this time of illness,” it added: “All the faithful holy people of God who are in Rome, together with citizens and all men of good will, with a keen sense of participation and closeness to the Holy Father, raise prayers and supplications to the Lord so that with the help of His grace, He sustains and consoles our beloved Bishop during his post-operative convalescence.”

World leaders expressing their closeness to Pope Francis and wishes for a speedy and total recovery include President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria who invited all Nigerians to gather in prayer, the president of Malta George Vella and Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela. In his message, sent in the name of the people of Venezuela, Maduro entrusted Pope Francis to Blessed Jose Gregorio Hernandez Cisneros, the celebrated “doctor of the poor” who was beatified April 30 in Caracas.

POPE IN GOOD GENERAL CONDITION, BREATHING ON HIS OWN

POPE IN GOOD GENERAL CONDITION, BREATHING ON HIS OWN

July 5 noon bulletin with statement by the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni: “His Holiness Pope Francis is in good general condition, alert and spontaneously breathing. The surgery for diverticular stenosis carried out on the evening of 4 July involved a left hemicolectomy and lasted about 3 hours. A hospital stay of about 7 days is expected, barring complications.”