Pope Leo blesses foundation stone of Pope Francis Heart Center at Rome's Gemelli Hospital

Pope Leo XIV on April 27 blessed the cornerstone of the new Pope Francis Heart Center at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic and gave a reflection on the meaning of cuore, or the “heart,” within the institution’s Catholic identity.

The late Pope Francis received treatment at Gemelli during the final weeks of his pontificate. 

According to Vatican News, the new center is intended to bring cardiovascular services into a single, integrated structure focused on patient-centered care. The outlet also reports that the facility will have advanced technology for cardiovascular imaging and telehealth and provide 100 beds for varying patient needs.

Pope Leo said the center’s name, Cuore — which stands for Cardiovascular Unique Offer ReEngineered and is the Italian word for “heart”— points to the deeper identity of the institution, which is part of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.

The Pontiff noted that Pope Francis dedicated his final encyclical, Dilexit nos, to “the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.”

Quoting the encyclical, Pope Leo said the human heart represents the unity of the person and is the place where love takes root, adding that each person is created “above all else for love.”

He added that the encyclical offers a framework for the hospital’s mission and the formation of its staff.

“Everything finds its unity in the heart, which can be the dwelling-place of love in all its spiritual, psychic and even physical dimensions,” he said, quoting Dilexit nos. 

He emphasized that as the Gemelli Hospital continues to grow, its development must be matched by a commitment to forming staff not only professionally but also spiritually and personally. 

“The central message of Dilexit nos is, however, theological and spiritual, centered on the mystery of love of the Heart of Christ, the primary source of inspiration and support for our life and our work,” Pope Leo said. “Like an everlasting flame, this love has inspired countless witnesses of charity within the Church, including in the fields of educational and social charity.”

The Pope pointed to the legacy of Agostino Gemelli and Armida Barelli, whose “prophetic” decision to name the university after the Sacred Heart helped shape both the university and hospital as institutions guided by faith and charity.