Vatican offers free dental care for poor of Rome

By Sr. Nina Benedikta Krapić, VMZ

Dental care for the poor of Rome is a result of a memorandum of understanding signed at Vatican, on 7 September, between the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Service of Charity, UniCamillus University, and the "Our Lady of Trust" clinic.

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, said that the agreement allows people in financial difficulty can turn to the "Mother of Mercy" Outpatient Clinic.

After an initial evaluation, they will then receive the necessary treatment at the "Madonna della Fiducia" Clinic in Rome’s Appio Latino neighbourhood.

The dental service starts in September, and offers an additional health service to those already provided at the Santa Marta Dispensary in the Vatican, such as showers, distribution of food, and medical care.

Expression of Pope’s care for the poor

The “Mother of Mercy” facility is run by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, which was established in 2015 at the behest of Pope Francis.

The efforts of 60 doctors, nurses, and other volunteers make it possible for over 6,000 people to receive free healthcare every year.

The service represents a response to the invitation of Pope Francis for the upcoming World Day of the Poor on 19 November.

The Pope's message for the World Day is “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor”.

He invites us to show concern for the poor “marked by Gospel realism”, which entails meeting “the concrete needs of our brothers and sisters”.