Mariella Enoc, president of the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital in Rome, known as the "Pope's hospital," resigned from the position she had assumed in 2015.
The news was confirmed by a hospital press release and by Vatican News.
In her message, Enoc noted that, in recent days, she had met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and last Saturday afternoon with Pope Francis to express to them that "it would be useful for the good of the hospital to bring forward the end" of her mandate.
This is to "make sure that the great undertaking of a new headquarters on the Janiculum [hill in Rome] was taken on by whoever would have had the responsibility for its completion," she said.
"The hospital is experiencing remarkable growth and many initiatives underway, so we can understand that mine is an act of responsibility and love for the Bambino Gesù.
"At this time, I am greatly helped by the closeness of the Holy Father," Enoc's message concludes.
According to Vatican News, Enoc's mandate was renewed in 2017 and 2021 and was due to expire this year with the approval of the 2023 operating budget.
"Her commitment to giving new impetus to the hospital was great," the official media outlet of the Holy See indicated.
The Bambino Gesù's 2021 sustainability report highlights nearly 2.5 million outpatient services, more than 31,500 surgeries, and 300 emergency neonatal types of transport.
Also, 358 organs, cell and tissue transplants, and seven artificial heart implants were achieved.
"As for scientific activity, research projects have increased by 28%, focusing on rare diseases and tumors, and clinical trials by 50%, with 3,517 new patients," notes Vatican News.
The "Pope's hospital" is among the most important pediatric hospitals in the world.
Founded in 1869 by Duchess Arabella Salviati, the hospital was donated to Pius XI in 1924 to give it a more stable future.
Although the hospital is located in Rome rather than the Vatican City, it is situated in an extraterritorial area administered by the Holy See.
