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The Vatican: A New Use for the Pope’s Helipad The Vatican: A New Use for the Pope’s Helipad
(about 1 hour later)
The Pope’s helipad is going to be getting a lot busier, for a good cause. The Vatican signed an agreement on Friday to permit Rome’s pediatric hospital to use the Vatican’s helipad to transport emergency patients and organs around the clock. The hospital, Bambin Gesu, which is owned by the Holy See, is Europe’s largest pediatric hospital and research center. It is just up the hill from the Vatican. The hospital’s president, Mariella Enoc, said in a statement that using the Vatican’s helipad would save a lot of time in emergencies, “contributing in many cases to saving the lives of children.” Francis rarely uses the helipad. His predecessors flew frequently by helicopter to and from the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Francis has decided not to use the estate, preferring to spend his summers in the Vatican hotel where he lives. The pope’s helipad is going to be getting a lot busier, for a good cause. The Vatican signed an agreement on Friday to permit Rome’s pediatric hospital to use the Vatican’s helipad to transport emergency patients and organs around the clock. The hospital, Bambin Gesu, which is owned by the Holy See, is Europe’s largest pediatric hospital and research center. It is just up the hill from the Vatican. The hospital’s president, Mariella Enoc, said in a statement that using the Vatican’s helipad would save a lot of time in emergencies, “contributing in many cases to saving the lives of children.” Francis rarely uses the helipad. His predecessors flew frequently by helicopter to and from the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Francis has decided not to use the estate, preferring to spend his summers in the Vatican hotel where he lives.