At the beginning of Mass at Casa Santa Marta on International Nurses Day, Pope Francis praised these medical workers for their heroism in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us pray today for nurses—men, women, young people, who carry out this profession, which is more than a profession. It is a vocation, a dedication. May the Lord bless them. In this time of pandemic, they have been an example of heroism, and some have even given their lives.
In Italy, 11 percent of those infected by the coronavirus are healthcare providers. At least 160 have died.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis said he was pleased with the designation of 2020 as the year of the nurse and midwife, calling these medical workers' closeness to the sick precious and noble.
Claudia Torres
