Maria College Honors Pope Francis’ Nurse for Advocacy, Compassion, and Excellence in Care
Albany, N.Y. — November 3, 2025 – Maria College has awarded an honorary degree to Massimiliano Strappetti, nurse to His Holiness 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.
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 Dr. 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 healthcare,” 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,” Dr. Ortale concluded. “He models the kind of healthcare professional we strive to develop.”
Photos from the Event
About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves more than 860 students in a variety of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs, including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
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