The pope met with 600 doctors from New York. They work with the organization 'SOMOS,' which serves patients without many resources.
MARIO PAREDES
SOMOS Community Care
'For me, it is an honor to present to you, the founder, the creator of this movement that was generated in the city of New York to renovate the health system in our city, Dr. Ramón Tallaj.'
RAMÓN TALLAJ
Founder, SOMOS Community Care
“We execute our vision and mission by rescuing the traditional role of the primary physician, family doctor, or “general physician,” the neighborhood doctor. The recipients of our service are the immigrants, the poorest and most vulnerable people in New York, who have come from the most diverse corners of the globe.”
The pope thanked them for their personal commitment to patients, both in disease prevention and in treatment.
POPE FRANCIS
“This solidarity with the sick is a real treasure, and it is a distinctive sign of authentic health care and assistance, which puts the person and his needs at the center. Today, healthcare is recognized as a universal human right and as an essential dimension of integral human development. Even so, in the world, it is still a right guaranteed to few and forbidden to many.”
As a gift for the visit, they gave the pope a stethoscope.
Among the attendees was actor Benicio del Toro and Argentine pianist Raúl di Blasio.
BENICIO DEL TORO
“It's an incredible experience. Pope is hope. Pope is hope.”
“I'm here with SOMOS. Coming here with a bunch of doctors, people that really work hard to help the needy in New York. So I'm here with them.”
RAÚL DI BLASIO
“I didn't have the opportunity to speak to the pope. It was important just being close. I would have loved to have been able to offer to give a concert to youth through that wonderful cause he has. There will be another chance. It was a truly wonderful experience.”
RAMÓN TALLAJ UREÑA
Dr. Ramón Tallaj Foundation
“He showed how he identifies with the needy, what he calls the 'throwaway culture.' He mentioned them three times in his speech. When you are with with a person like him, it touches everyone's heart, because he helps you see the drama of human poverty. ”
The pope was at ease with these doctors. Therefore, in addition to greeting those responsible for the initiative, he stopped for a while to personally greet the doctors and their families.
