BANGKOK, Nov 21 (TNA) – Pope Francis visited St. Louis
Hospital in Bangkok on Thursday, praising the hospital staff for the valuable
service that the Church offers to the Thai people.
In the first papal visit to Thailand in 35 years, Pope
Francis met with patients and about 700 members of hospital staff who are
celebrating the 120th anniversary of St. Louis Hospital’s foundation.
People who gathered to welcome the Pope along the street
near the hospital chanted “Viva il Papa” and waving Thai and Vatican flags as
the motorcade moved by. Pope Francis
briefly stopped to give a kiss on the forehead of a child.
Addressing some 930 doctors, nurses and researchers of St.
Louis Hospital and members of the Church’s health services in Thailand inside
the hospital’s auditorium, Pope Francis said it was a blessing for him “to
witness at first hand this valuable service that the Church offers to the Thai
people, especially to those most in need.”
St Louis Hospital was founded in 1898 by the Apostolic
Victor of Siam, Archbishop Louis Vey. Its mission is based on the motto “Where
love is, there God is.”
Referring to the hospital’s motto, the Pope said that “it is
precisely in the exercise of charity that we Christians are called not only to
demonstrate that we are missionary disciples, but also to test our own
fidelity, and that of our institutions, to that discipleship.”
“You carry out one of the greatest works of mercy, for your
commitment to health care goes far beyond the simple and praiseworthy practice
of medicine,” the pontiff said.
Pope Francis then visited 40 patients and disabled people.
On the hospital ground was a crowd of over 4,000 Thai and
foreigners who have registered with the Hospital to welcome the Pope.
Pope Francis has embarked on the 32nd trip of his
pontificate to Thailand and Japan from November 20 to 26. (TNA)
