As a response to Pope Francis’ journey to Bangui, Central African Republic, in 2015, the Vatican-run Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome decided to support the African city’s hospital.
This project is now starting to get off the ground, according to a note from the Central African Information Agency last week.
On the occasion of the Jubilee of Mercy (December 2015-November 2016), the Bambino Gesù Foundation “adopted” the Pediatric Hospital of Bangui in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature.
The pope praised the project and promised personal financial assistance. The Vatican Gendarmerie (police and security force) also promised to provide support.
After urgent sanitation measures for the existing structures, the first stone of a new Pediatric Center was recently laid. Persons of note who were present for the occasion included the Central African president, Faustin Archangel Touadera, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Franco Coppola, and the Director of the Bambino Gesù, Mariella Enoc.
This September, training in courses in pediatrics will begin, under the supervision of the hospital in Rome. Moreover, the Bambino Gesù will also assist in paying the salaries of the medical and nursing staff.
The pontiff went on a quick visit to the Central African capital in November 2015. He had visited the city hospital, to which he brought financial and material assistance. XLN
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