Coronavirus

Pope Francis to Donate 30 Ventilators to Hospitals Fighting Coronavirus

March 27, 2020
Pope Francis gives his homily during his Mass livestreamed from the chapel of his Vatican residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, March 27, 2020. (Photo: CNS photo/Vatican Media)

The Tablet Staff

Pope Francis will distribute 30 ventilators to Italian hospitals in need of medical equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Vatican announced March 26 that the Office of Papal Charities will oversee the distribution of the ventilators, which are essential to combatting the respiratory virus. 

As of March 27, the death toll from COVID-19 cases in Italy is over 8,200, making it one of the most afflicted countries in the world. The northern region of Italy has been especially affected by the virus, considering its significant elder population. 

Which hospitals will be receiving the equipment have yet to be determined.

While Masses, public events, and businesses remain suspended or closed throughout Italy, papal charities are still working to meet the needs of at-risk populations. 

In addition to overseeing the ventilator donation, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski has also continued to ensure that the homeless continue receiving food at least twice a week.

2 thoughts on “Pope Francis to Donate 30 Ventilators to Hospitals Fighting Coronavirus”

  1. Can we get more details on this? Where were these ventilators? Did they just come into the Vatican’s possession or were they sitting somewhere unused?