Rome, Italy, Sep 22, 2017 / 09:52 am
In a surprise visit on Friday, Pope Francis stopped by the Santa Lucia Foundation, a neuro-rehabilitation center in Rome.
He visited with patients of the center, who are receiving rehabilitation treatment for mobile and cognitive impairment, such as those suffering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
The visit continues Pope Francis' custom of "Mercy Friday" encounters. Originally planned once per month during the Church's Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, the Pope has continued these surprise visits, practicing spiritual and corporal works of mercy. He has met with refugees, children, women freed from sex trafficking, and the terminally ill, among others.
Pope Francis visited the facility shortly after 4 p.m., the Vatican said in a statement. He was greeted by the president and general manager of the association, as well as a group of staff members.