Pope Francis surprises hospital

March 15, 2013. (Romereports.com) In a surprise visit, Pope Francis went to a local Roman hospital to visit his friend and fellow Argentinian, Cardinal Jorge Mejía, who suffered a stroke last Thursday. The unplanned visit lasted about 30 minutes and it was not announced to the public. This marks the Pontiff's second public outing since being elected Pope on March 13th.

He arrived in a discrete car with local license  plates, not in a Papal vehicle. After greeting the Cardinal, the Pope stopped at the hospital's Chapel to pray along with the 13 nuns of the San José de Gerona Order, who work in the hospital.

The Pope made it a point to speak individually with the nuns and also with others who were in the Chapel. Before leaving he also thanked the medical personnel. Upon his arrival, many patients and their families made their way to the hospital's hall to greet the Latin American Pope.

--http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-francis-visits-cardinal-jorge-mejia-in-the-hospital-english-9441.html#.UUQGvxdvDh6