Historic ‘pope’s hospital’ unites innovation with care to help sick children

After more than 40 years as a research institution, the Vatican-owned children’s hospital, Bambino Gesù, continues to be at the front lines of pediatric medical research as it strives to bring the best possible care to young patients from around the world.

In one of its latest advancements, “the pope’s hospital” unveiled a new Gene Therapy Laboratory in October 2025 to develop new treatments for genetic diseases.

“We must always remain at the forefront of research, not to boast about our achievements, but because we must find the newest treatments that save lives and help children have a future. This is what matters most to us,” hospital president Tiziano Onesti told EWTN News.

“Children must be treated with … the most innovative treatments, and these must be accessible to everyone,” he said. “This is what sets Bambino Gesù apart — the fact that we are truly open to everyone.”

A researcher looks through a microscope in one of the research laboratories of the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital. | Credit: Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital

The Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital — the largest pediatric hospital and research center in Europe — is made up of six facilities located…