‘MERCY IN ACTION’

Maria College honors Pope Francis’ nurse for advocacy, compassion and excellence in care

Maria College president Dr. Lynn Ortale (l.), accompanied by Vicki DiLorenzo, vice president for institutional advancement, presented an honorary degree to Massimiliano Strappetti, nurse to Pope Francis, during a visit to Rome, Italy, at the end of October. (Photo provided)

Maria College has awarded an honorary degree to Massimiliano Strappetti, nurse to Pope Francis, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to patient advocacy, clinical excellence and compassionate care — values central to the college’s mission and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.

Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale, accompanied by Vicki DiLorenzo, vice president for institutional advancement, presented the degree during a visit to Rome, Italy, at the end of October.

Ortale said Maria College honored Strappetti not only for his skillful care, but also for his courageous advocacy during a critical moment in Pope Francis’ illness. In early 2025, the pope was hospitalized with pneumonia and faced four life-threatening breathing crises. On Feb. 28, doctors had to decide whether to stop treatment or continue with risky, aggressive care. Strappetti urged the team to “try everything, don’t give up.” Thanks to his advocacy, the pope recovered enough to leave the hospital in late March, return to the Vatican, and join Easter celebrations one last time.

“Mr. Strappetti embodies everything we teach and believe at Maria College,” said Ortale, noting the hooding took place outside the Vatican. “He didn’t just care for the pope with skill. He stood up for him when it mattered most. His voice and presence made a real difference in one person’s life, and that’s exactly what we ask of our students as nurses and as human beings.

“That moment captured the spirit of what we mean by ‘Mercy in action,’ ” she added. “It was more than clinical care. It was a profound belief that every person deserves dignity, hope and a chance.”

Strappetti began his nursing career in 1991 at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, working first in the hematology and bone marrow transplant department. After three years, he moved to the intensive care unit and became an instructor in life support, trauma care, and disaster medicine. When Pope John Paul II was hospitalized there, Strappetti was assigned to care for him, which led to his transfer to the Vatican.

He then served Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, becoming the first nurse in Vatican history appointed to lead a medical team.

“I’m very proud to have received this honor, especially from such an important school — one that feels very close to me and to everyone who dedicates themselves to caring for others,” said Strappetti through a translator. “I accept this recognition not just for myself, but for all nurses who work tirelessly in hospitals and beyond.”

“Mr. Strappetti’s dedication to compassionate care exemplifies the highest ideals of service in health care,” added Dr. Jessica McNally, chair of nursing and director of clinical experiences at Maria College. “We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions to nursing, inspiring our students to lead with empathy and integrity.”

“Honoring Mr. Strappetti is about reminding our students and community what it means to serve with both hands and heart,” Ortale said. “He models the kind of health care professional we strive to develop.”

For more information about Maria College, visit MariaCollege.edu.