Pope Francis Donates Medical Equipment to Catholic Hospital Battling COVID-19 in Eswatini

The Holy Father, Bishop Ponce de León went on to recall, “called the world to prayer and prayed for the whole world.”

The Bishop shared, “I still recall a very intense and moving prayer held last year on March 27.”

The prayer was intense and moving, he explained, “because Pope Francis chose to do it at St Peter’s square, like many other times. The difference, though, is that he was there all alone. It was the image of a world experiencing lockdowns but at the same time the image of a shepherd that remains close to the sheep.”

He went on to highlight the leadership qualities of the Holy Father saying, “When vaccines became available, he immediately got vaccinated and called the world to do the same calling it a lifesaving, an ethical obligation and the refusal to do so – suicidal.”

“This was followed by a call to universal access to vaccines,” the native of Argentina further said about his compatriot. 

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Eswatini has reported at least 33,565 COVID-19 cases, including 24,763 recoveries and 896 related deaths.

Addressing the hospital staff during the August 11 event, Bishop Ponce de León said, “Pope Francis’ leadership is not just for religious leaders but for all of us: as today’s good Samaritans.”

“At this point I believe we are reminded of Jesus’ words at the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan: Go, and do the same yourself,” he further said, and added, “We are called to prayer, to respect COVID19 protocols, to be vaccinated, to encourage others to do the same and to support those in need.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.