Pope Francis has hailed healthcare workers as heroes for their service every day, not just during the pandemic, asking the public in St. Peter's Square to join with him in applause.
Francis clapped his hands in what he said was a "great thank you" for health workers, including volunteers, who care for the sick. Italy was marking Sunday as a national day to pay tribute to healthcare workers.
"We must recall the many doctors, nurses, volunteers, who are close to the sick, treat them, make them feel better, help them," Francis said in his weekly appearance from a window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking the square.