Italian Postal Service Reports Surge in Mail for Pope Francis from Children After Hospitalisation

Since Pope Francis was hospitalised on 14 February, the Italian postal service has experienced a surge in mail addressed to him. Many letters, clearly penned by children, are simply marked for delivery to "Gemelli Hospital" in Rome. Postal workers sort these letters into large yellow boxes labelled "Papa Francesco," ensuring they reach the pope's hospital suite where he is recovering from double pneumonia.

Mail Sorting and Delivery Process

The mail first arrives at Rome's Fiumicino airport's primary sorting centre. Here, it undergoes safety checks before delivery. Antonello Chidichimo, the director of this centre, noted that the Vatican typically receives about 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of mail daily. However, recent figures have peaked at 150 kilograms (330 pounds), with many letters originating from abroad.

Once cleared at Fiumicino, the mail proceeds to the Belsito distribution centre in Rome. This facility features both mechanised and manual sorting areas. In the mechanised section, conveyor belts and optical readers process the mail. Meanwhile, workers manually sort letters into pigeonholes in a quieter area.

Variety in Addresses and Senders

The addresses on these letters vary significantly. Some are directed to "Gemelli," while others are correctly sent to "Casa Santa Marta" in Vatican City, where Pope Francis chose to reside after his 2013 election instead of the Apostolic Palace's papal residence. The letters also differ in presentation; some feature ornate calligraphy or computer-printed labels, while many display handwriting from young children.

Andrea Di Tommaso, who oversees the Belsito distribution centre, remarked on the unique experience of handling mail addressed to the Holy Father. He expressed that this surge in correspondence has been deeply moving for those involved in its processing.

Children's Letters and Global Support

The influx of letters includes many written by children from around the world. These heartfelt messages reflect global support for Pope Francis during his recovery. The postal workers' efforts ensure these expressions of goodwill reach their intended recipient at Gemelli Hospital.

Hospital staff collect the sorted mail daily to deliver it to Pope Francis on the hospital's 10th floor. This process ensures that he receives these messages of hope and encouragement as he recovers from his illness.

The significant increase in mail highlights the widespread concern and affection for Pope Francis during his hospitalisation. The postal service's dedication ensures that these messages of support reach him promptly.