A meeting with the Pope and a strike for kidney health

On June 11 this year, I had the extraordinary privilege and blessing of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. It was a deeply humbling, surreal, and almost unbelievable experience—one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

This incredible opportunity came through the efforts of Georgi Abraham, our Founder Trustee at TANKER Foundation. Through his connections, I was honored to be one of just 75 individuals who had the chance to speak personally with His Holiness, amidst a crowd of over 40,000 people.

We waited in the sweltering sun for three and a half hours, filled with anticipation. Then, suddenly, the Popemobile arrived, and there he was—His Holiness, graciously waving to the vast sea of people. After an hour of solemn prayers and sermons, he descended from the stage to greet a few of us.

As he approached, I felt an overwhelming mix of awe, gratitude, and humility. I asked if I could kiss his hand, and he kindly said yes. I then asked if I might drape a shawl over his shoulders, to which he again agreed. I was able to speak to him briefly about the TANKER Foundation and the vital work we do in supporting patients with kidney disease across Tamil Nadu, India, and even globally.

I also had the chance to explain why I was in Rome: to attend the International Federation of Kidney Foundations–World Kidney Alliance (IFKF–WKA) conference, hosted by the Italian Kidney Foundation. It was an honor to be there as the Immediate Past President of IFKF–WKA, especially as the first woman and the first non-doctor to have held that role.

I presented His Holiness with a cap bearing the logos of both IFKF–WKA and the Italian Kidney Foundation, and our TANKER memento cup and a book by Dr Georgi Abraham: ‘My Patients My God’. I shared with him the global impact of IFKF–WKA, our collaboration with the International Society of Nephrology, and the recent recognition of World Kidney Day by the World Health Organization.

I humbly asked His Holiness for his blessings—for the TANKER Foundation, for all our patients and staff, and for the continued work of IFKF–WKA in raising kidney health awareness and supporting the formation of kidney foundations around the world.

Meeting this wise and compassionate leader was a moment of immense significance. His blessing and encouragement for our cause have deeply inspired me and reaffirmed the importance of our mission.

(Latha A. Kumaraswami is managing trustee, TANKER Foundation, and past president, International Federation of Kidney Foundations-World Kidney Alliance, World Kidney Day-Joint Steering Committee Member. [email protected]  )