Pope Leo inaugurates San Martino Outpatient Center under St. Peter’s, offering advanced radiology and free care for the poor ahead of World Day of the Poor.
Newsroom (13/11/2025 Gaudium Press)On November 14, 2025, Pope Leo inaugurated the San Martino Outpatient Center, a state-of-the-art medical facility nestled beneath the iconic Colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica. The opening, just two days before the World Day of the Poor, marks a significant expansion of the Vatican’s commitment to providing free healthcare to Rome’s most vulnerable populations. The new clinic, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, including a radiology unit, aims to diagnose and treat conditions commonly afflicting those living on the streets, such as pneumonia, bone fractures, tumors, and kidney stones.
The San Martino Clinic builds on the legacy of the “Mother of Mercy” Clinic, established a decade ago under the same colonnade. Together, these facilities, overseen by the Apostolic Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, provide a lifeline to thousands of people living in poverty, marginalization, or hardship. The Dicastery for the Service of Charity, which supports the initiative, highlighted the clinic’s advanced diagnostic capabilities, including a next-generation X-ray machine designed to deliver rapid and accurate diagnoses. This technology enables early detection of debilitating conditions, allowing doctors to initiate timely treatments that can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
“This is a place where we see not just a homeless person or a pauper, but the face of Jesus,” Cardinal Krajewski said during the inauguration, emphasizing the spiritual mission behind the medical services. The clinics operate under the principles of the Gospel and the Church’s Social Teaching, offering comprehensive care that restores dignity to those who seek help. The San Martino Clinic, developed in collaboration with the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State Governorate, complements the Mother of Mercy Clinic by adding specialized services such as radiology exams, dental care, and the provision of medical aids like eyeglasses and hearing devices.
The Apostolic Almoner’s healthcare initiatives have already made a profound impact. Each month, the clinics deliver over 2,000 free medical services, supported by a dedicated team of 120 volunteer doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians. Since their inception, they have provided care to 10,000 individuals from 139 countries, offering 102,060 medical services and distributing 141,200 packages of free medication. Services range from general and specialist consultations to blood tests, dental prosthetics, and now advanced radiology, ensuring that those in need receive holistic care tailored to their circumstances.
The San Martino Clinic’s radiology unit is a game-changer for diagnosing conditions that often go untreated among the poor. Pneumonia, a leading cause of death among those living on the streets, can now be identified quickly, as can fractures, tumors, degenerative diseases, kidney stones, and intestinal obstructions. By addressing these issues early, the clinic aims to prevent complications and reduce suffering among a population with limited access to healthcare.
The timing of the inauguration, just ahead of the World Day of the Poor on November 16, underscores Pope Leo’s ongoing emphasis on solidarity with the marginalized. The San Martino Clinic stands as a tangible expression of his call to serve the least fortunate, offering not only medical care but also hope and dignity. Prescribed medications, donated and provided at no cost, are placed directly into the hands of patients, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede recovery.
As the Vatican continues to expand its outreach, the San Martino Outpatient Center represents a bold step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of Rome’s poor. By combining advanced technology with compassionate care, the clinic embodies the Church’s mission to see Christ in the suffering and to act with mercy toward those in need. For the thousands who pass through its doors, it is a beacon of healing and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
