Stressing that nurses deserve to be more fully valued and their working conditions improved, Pope Francis said the pandemic had brought to light healthcare deficiencies in some countries.

“Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course,” prays Pope Francis.

Final gathering taking place this weekend to work out a format for the event and group the proposals under the six agreed themes.

Pope Francis encourages healthcare professionals and medical students to specialise in palliative care.