Pope Inaugurates San Martino Outpatient Center at Vatican

Vatican, Nov 15, 2025: Pope Leo inaugurated the San Martino Outpatient Clinic, located beneath St. Peter’s Colonnade, on 14 November. The new facility opens just ten years after the “Mother of Mercy” Clinic—also adjacent to St. Peter’s Square—and ahead of the World Day of the Poor on Sunday, 16 November.

Accompanied by his Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Pope met Dr. Massimo Ralli, Director of the Apostolic Almoner’s Outpatient Clinic, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, Director of Health and Hygiene at the Governorate of Vatican City. “It was a private visit,” the Cardinal said, “because no one had been told the Pope was coming, so only the doctors on duty were there.”

On Friday morning, about eight doctors, four nurses, and two volunteers had already assisted 65 people by the time the Pope arrived. He greeted them and inquired about the clinic’s activities.

Mental Health Care

Cardinal Krajewski noted that “the Pope was struck by the fact that among the doctors present, there were also psychiatrists. Our poor also need this kind of care, which is very difficult, because when a bone is broken, we immediately rush to the emergency room.” He added, “when it comes to mental health, everything becomes much harder.”

The doctors, coming from Gemelli Hospital, offer their expertise with dedication and patience. “They have a lot to do here because people trust them,” the Almoner said. “We don’t ask for documents, and perhaps that affirms their dignity,” he added, noting that those assisted remain invisible as they often are on the streets of Rome, “but here, assistance goes beyond name and country of origin. Here, what matters is your need.”

A New Service

“Good work, and thank you,” the Pope said as he looked out a small window near the showers, visibly moving the staff. He then thanked those who contributed to the restoration of the San Martino Outpatient Clinic, which, according to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, now includes two rooms equipped with modern medical technology and a radiology department.

A next-generation X-ray machine will enable quick and accurate diagnosis of pneumonia, bone fractures, tumours, degenerative diseases, kidney stones, and intestinal obstructions—conditions often neglected among the poor. Early diagnosis allows doctors to start timely treatment, improving the quality of life for those who have nothing.

Seeing Jesus in the Poor

The new clinic, made possible through collaboration with the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State Governorate, provides comprehensive care for those seeking medical assistance. Both clinics serve as spaces of welcome and healing, restoring dignity to the poor who come to Cardinal Krajewski’s office. He emphasised that those seeking help are seen “not as a homeless person, but the face of Jesus.”

The Cardinal recalled the Pope’s amazement at the clinic’s statistics: approximately 2,000 people per month receive care, and all necessary medications are provided free of charge. “We give them the prescription,” he explained, “and they enter the Vatican, greeted by the Swiss Guards and gendarmes, go to the Vatican Pharmacy, present their prescription, and receive the medications with no payment.”

The Almoner highlighted that this ensures the poor do not feel rejected or inferior. “Everyone has a right, even the poor.” Before leaving, the Pope thanked all present for their work and dedication.

In the week leading up to the World Day of the Poor, Cardinal Krajewski shared a heartfelt message: “I am a believer, a Catholic, and my logic is the logic of the Gospel. We truly help Jesus Himself because He said He was naked, He was in prison, He was sick, and today we can say He was a refugee. We do all this for Him, who shows Himself through the different faces of the world.”

“It’s hard to recognize Him,” he continued, “we must make an effort; it takes faith. I thank the Lord for giving me that faith, and after 14 years of service as Almoner, I am now fully convinced that when we help—wash the body, give medicine, cut hair, and clothe people—we are helping Jesus Himself.”

Free Healthcare Services

The San Martino Clinic will operate alongside the Mother of Mercy Clinic, which provides free daily healthcare to those living in poverty, marginalization, or hardship, guided by the principles of the Gospel and the Church’s Social Teaching.

The outpatient clinic will serve thousands each month, thanks to 120 volunteer doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians. Some 10,000 people from about 139 countries have received care. To date, 102,060 medical services have been offered completely free, along with 141,200 packs of medication.

Both clinics provide general and specialist medical visits, dental care, blood tests, and radiology exams. Services such as removable dental prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids are also offered as needed, and prescribed medication is always free.

The Imagination of Charity

Recalling the origins of these facilities, Cardinal Krajewski explained that Pope Francis wished to create a space dedicated to charity in St. Peter’s Square. “Under the Colonnade, it’s impossible,” he said, but after assessing the area, he requested permission to use space previously occupied by the postal services building.

Pope Francis humorously remarked, “You didn’t take it, you stole it from the Post Office,” and all subsequent initiatives—including showers, the barber shop, the clinic, and now the San Martino Clinic—were born. The Cardinal concluded, “I’m very happy.”

Courtesy: Vatican News