Pope Opens San Martino Clinic at St. Peter's Basilica: Free Healthcare for the Poor

Inauguration of the San Martino Clinic

The San Martino Outpatient Clinic was inaugurated by Pope Leo on November 14. This is a new facility that has been operating for 10 years since it opened "Mother of Mercy" clinic located near St. Peter's Square as part of the preparations for World Day of the Poor (Sunday, November 16). The San Martino Outpatient Clinic has been created as part of preparations for World Day of the Poor (Sunday, November 16).

A Sanctuary of Solace for the Poor

Pope Leo Encourages Lateran University to Seek the Truth

After attending an inauguration ceremony for the Academic Year at the Pontifical Lateran University, the Holy Father arrived at the Vatican and by his noon hour reached Largo San Martino – the area bordering Bernini’s colonnade that is known historically for its welcoming of the poor. The part of Largo San Martino contains showers for the homeless, a barbers, and the Mother of Mercy Clinic. The Mother of Mercy is supported by Pope Francis to provide services to people without documentation, financial ability or access to the healthcare system.

Pope Leo's first destination upon arrival was his clinic where he was joined by his Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and also by Dr. Massimo Ralli, who is the Director of the Apostolic Almoner's Outpatient Clinic in addition to Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Governorate of Vatican City's Director of Health and Hygiene. “It was a private visit,” said the Cardinal, “as there was no advance notice of the Pope’s arrival, therefore only the doctors in attendance were present."

When Pope Leo arrived Friday morning, roughly eight doctors had already spent the day helping 65 people, along with about four nurses and two volunteers. Upon arriving at the clinic, he greeted everyone and asked about their work there.

Psychological Well-Being Services

Cardinal Krajewski declared tonight that "the Pope was surprised by the presence of psychiatrists among the doctors present." Care from this level of specialists will be an important type of care for those living in poverty; however, having that type of care has proven to be very challenging. It is easy to access medical assistance, for example, when a bone gets broken; you can find help right away at your nearest emergency department," he said and continued, "But providing assistance to someone with mental illness is much more complicated.

Physicians from Gemelli Hospital are dedicated to serving the public by providing exceptional service and patience. "Their work here is critical because the people have faith in them," said the almoner - an official who collects alms. "We do not ask for documentation, which might otherwise assist them in maintaining their dignity," he added. One sees these physicians from somewhere - typically on the streets of Rome - yet they are rarely visible. "In this instance, assistance is based on a person's need, rather than their name or nationality."

An Innovative Medical Service

The Pope looked through a small window close to the showers and showed the employees his appreciation by thanking them and praising their work. After thanking everyone who helped restore the San Martino Outpatient Clinic, the Pope also mentioned new technology has been added to the two exam rooms and the establishment of a radiology department at that location, based on a press release from the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.

An advanced X-ray machine designed with precision will allow for rapid identification of common medical issues associated with being poor; including but not limited to pneumonia, broken bones, tumors, degenerative diseases (such as arthritis), kidney stones and bowel obstructions. Early identification through this new technology will allow doctors to begin appropriate treatment earlier and ultimately improve the overall quality of life for poor people living with chronic health conditions.

Recognizing the Presence of Jesus in the Impoverished

A cooperation between Vatican City State Governorate's Director of Health and Hygiene enabled the creation of a new clinic to help provide more access to healthcare for those who need it most.

The Face of Jesus in Every Patient

Both clinics are a refuge and a place of hope for the poor who come to the office of Cardinal Krajewski. Cardinal Krajewski further explained that all individuals in need are seen as being the face of Jesus rather than as just another homeless person.

According to Cardinal Krajewski, Pope Leo looked amazed when asked about the number of patients of the clinic while visiting the hospital where he was told that the number of patients served each month is around 2000 and that medicines are provided free of charge. Cardinal Krajweski described the process to obtain medicines from the Vatican: "They provide us with a doctor's prescription to enter the Vatican, are greeted by Swiss guards or gendarmes at the entrance; then they go to the Vatican pharmacy, show the pharmacist their doctor's prescription to obtain their medicine, and they do not have to pay for it.

According to this Almoner of the Pope, "the act is done to prevent the poverty-stricken from feeling rejected or inferior to others." "Every person is deserving, including those who have nothing," he continued. The Pope thanked those present for their support and work for him before leaving.

Faith and Service to Those in Need

On the week before the World Day of the Poor which is November 16th Cardinal Krajewski shared an inspiring message; "I am a believer and a Catholic, I base my understanding of faith on the Gospel. By helping those in need we help Jesus Christ himself, for Christ said he was naked, imprisoned and sick; and today we can say he was a refugee also. Thus all of our actions are in Christ, who manifests himself through many different faces in this world.

"The cardinal started: 'Finding God is often difficult," using the words of Cardinal O'Brien, who said: 'Finding God is often very difficult but with His grace and a whole lot of faith we can do it. I thank God every day for having given me that faith. After 14 years of being an almoner to people in need and providing them with food, medical care, haircuts and clothes, I am more than sure that when I am performing these acts of service, I am serving Jesus Himself'."

Complimentary Healthcare Services

The San Martino Clinic will work alongside the Mother of Mercy Clinic to offer free health services each day to the disadvantaged and underserved, in accordance with the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching.

Thanks to the efforts of 120 volunteer doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians at the outpatient clinic, it is possible for thousands of people to receive clinical services every month. To date, approximately 10,000 people from over 139 different countries have received benefitted from the health care services provided by the clinic. To date, there has been a cumulative total of 102,060 medical service sessions provided for no fee for those who qualify for the service, as well as 141,200 medication pack dispensed.

Comprehensive Healthcare for the Underserved

General and specialty consultations, dental services, blood testing and radiological exams will be provided at both clinics for individuals seeking help. In addition, individuals may have access to removable dental prostheses, glasses, and/or hearing aids if needed and all prescription medications will be provided free of charge.

The Creative Vision of Benevolence

Along with reflecting on the creation of these structures, he also remarked upon Pope Francis' desire to set up a dedicated location for charitable activities within St. Peter's Square. He remarked: "It is not possible for that to happen under the colonnade." Nevertheless, after assessing his surroundings, he asked the pope to use the area previously used by the mail service building.

laughing out loud, Pope Francis with his response: "You did not (take) it. You stole it from the post office". Many different initiatives have started from that point; for example: showers, barber shops and clinics. The San Martino Clinic is the clinic today and Cardinal expressed his satisfaction for it: "I am very happy".