Corrupt business practices that seek to profit from the sick and the dying are a cancer to hospitals entrusted with the care of the most vulnerable, especially children, Pope Francis said, reported CNS.
Doctors, nurses and those who work in the field of health care must be defined by their ability to help their patients and be on guard against falling down the slippery slope of corruption that begins with special favors, tips and bribes, the pope told staff and patients of Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital Dec. 15.
"The worst cancer in a hospital like this is corruption," he said. "In this world where there is so much business involved in health care, so many people are tricked by the sickness industry, Bambino Gesu hospital must learn to say no. Yes, we all are sinners. Corrupt, never."
The pope held an audience with thousands of young children, parents, doctors, nurses and volunteers from the hospital. Making his way into the Vatican's Paul VI audience hall, the pope greeted many of the young patients and their families who reached out to him, handing him letters and messages.