Pope Francis: Solidarity with those suffering from Covid-19 in the South Caucasus

On behalf of Pope Francis, the “Good Samaritan Foundation” of the Vatican Dicastory for Promoting Integral Human Development through the Apostolic Nunciature in Tbilisi sent a symbolic donation of a hundred thousand euros to the Redemptoris Mater Hospital in Ashotsk run by the Fathers of St. Camillo of Lellis to assist the growing number of infected patients of the Covid-19 virus in the region of the Caucasus.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 world health pandemic the Redemptoris Mater Hospital has given free assistance to many affected by the corona virus as well as provided assistance in other forms for many living under the poverty level. According to Fr. Mario Cuccarollo, director of the hospital, recent conflicts and unrest in the region have placed a heavy strain on the human and material resources of the medical institution.  Pope Francis’ gift will help to purchase medical equipment and supplies to meet the ever growing needs of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the region.

The “Good Samaritan Foundation” is one of many well-known Catholic Foundations connected to the Holy See (Vatican) that assists in humanitarian needs.  Just as this Foundation is inspired by Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, Pope Francis in his latest Encyclical Letter “Fratelli tutti: on fraternity and social friendship” has raised his concern of our common responsibility to help those in need: “In the face of so much pain and suffering, our only course is to imitate the Good Samaritan… The parable shows us how a community can be rebuilt by men and women who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of exclusion, and act instead as neighbours, lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good.  At the same time, it warns us about the attitude of those who think only of themselves and fail to shoulder the inevitable responsibilities of life as it is.” (Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter “Fratelli tutti: on fraternity and social friendship”,  N. 67)