Pope Leo XIV met with a group of interventional cardiologists at the Vatican, noting that the field of cardiology sits at the “crossroads of science, compassion and ethical responsibility.” The group included Professor Bernard Prendergast, chair of cardiology at Cleveland Clinic London and a consultant with St. Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster, England, and other representatives from the Paris Course on Revascularization (PCR).

Pope Leo told the cardiologists that their work “stands at the crossroads of science, compassion and ethical responsibility.” When they treat patients, he added, they are treating the heart “both physically and metaphorically, bringing relief to those who suffer.”

“Each heartbeat entrusted to your care is a reminder that life is a gift, always a mystery to be reverenced,” he told the group. “ I encourage you, therefore, to continue fostering a spirit of global collaboration, to share knowledge generously and to ensure that advances in treatment remain accessible to all, especially the poor and marginalized.”
Pope Leo has been focused on advances in healthcare throughout 2025. In November, for example, he spoke to a team of AI specialists about the technology’s growing impact.

“If AI is to serve human dignity and the effective provision of healthcare, we must ensure that it truly enhances both interpersonal relationships and the care provided,” he said.