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Claim – The text “Definition of Hospital”, about prayers in hospitals, was written by Pope Francis.
Analysis
As we have pointed out in other fact-checks, fake news involving Pope Francis has been a frequent occurrence on social media. After his death in April 2025, new viral messages resurfaced featuring alleged statements and reflections attributed to the pontiff.
One such message is titled “Definition of Hospital”, an emotional text describing moments of solidarity and human connection in hospitals. It suggests that true prayers and revelations occur in such places, highlighting empathy between people of different beliefs, social classes, and backgrounds. Here’s an excerpt:
Definition of “Hospital” according to Pope Francis, who always surprises us with his reflections: “The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than many churches… It is in hospitals where you see a homophobic person being saved by a gay doctor… Where an upper-class doctor saves the life of a homeless person… Where, in the ICU, a Jewish person takes care of a racist… Thousands of spouses forgive each other in hopes of complete recovery… A police officer and a prisoner share the same room and receive the same care…
A rich patient awaits a liver transplant from a poor donor… These are the moments, when the hospital touches people’s wounds, that universes cross paths with divine purpose. And in this communion of destinies, we realize that alone, we are nothing! People’s absolute truth is often only revealed in moments of pain or the real threat of permanent loss. A hospital is where the human being removes their masks and reveals their true essence. This life…
Fact-check
While the text may be moving, it was not written by Pope Francis. Three key points help clarify its origin: 1) Did Pope Francis write the text? 2) Has this fake news circulated before? 3) Who actually wrote the “Definition of Hospital” text?
Did Pope Francis write the “Definition of Hospital” text?
No. The text was not written by Pope Francis. It is not found in any official Vatican sources such as the Holy See website, nor in his public addresses, homilies, or encyclicals. Additionally, the style — while emotionally powerful and reflecting Christian values — is far more casual and sentimental than the doctrinal and theological tone typically used by the pope.
Has this fake news circulated online before?
Yes. This misattribution has been debunked in the past. In 2018, the website Boatos.org published an article explaining that this is an apocryphal text often spread on social media with fabricated attribution. The message has appeared in many versions with small variations, always appealing to emotion — a common strategy in viral content. Its recurrence during periods of mourning or emotional vulnerability shows how such hoaxes gain traction.
Who is the real author of the “Definition of Hospital” text?
There is no identified author. The text appears to be a compilation of phrases and concepts that have circulated online in various contexts. Parts of it can be found on motivational quote sites in English, such as PopSugar and BeHappy.me. These versions include comparisons between airports, weddings, and life’s painful moments, but none mention Pope Francis. This suggests the text was adapted and falsely credited to enhance its credibility.
Conclusion
Though the “Definition of Hospital” is a touching reflection on faith and empathy in times of pain, it was not written by Pope Francis. There is no evidence to support this claim, and existing records indicate the message is a recycled motivational text spread with false attribution. It is yet another fake news item that has resurfaced online.
Fake news 
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