AVSI and Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ teachings - his constant invitation to care for the least among us and his focus on the marginalized around the world - have always been a source of inspiration in every area of our work.
We are especially grateful for the memory of our meeting with him at the Vatican on September 3, 2022, during AVSI’s 50th anniversary celebration. It was a moment of deep significance as we shared the results of “Syria. Open Hospitals”, a project launched in 2017 that embodies AVSI’s approach and has been supported from the beginning by Pope Francis himself.
We will never forget the words he shared with us, especially this passage:
“Open Hospitals is your program. Open to poor sick people, without distinction of ethnic or religious affiliation. This characteristic reflects a Church that wants to be a home with open doors and a place of human brotherhood. In our charitable institutions, people, especially the poor, must feel ‘at home’ and experience a climate of dignified welcome.”
Pope Francis, september 2022
Inspired by his vision, we remain committed to ensuring that all people, especially the most vulnerable, served through our projects, can truly “feel at home” with us, just as Pope Francis encouraged.