Pope Francis to attend cardiologists' meet in Rome

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is proud to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis will visit ESC Congress 2016, the largest scientific summit on cardiovascular medicine.

More than thirty-thousand health care professionals from around the world are expected to attend this year's event in Rome. Pope Francis will address the gathering at the conclusion of the five-day congress on Wednesday, 31 August 2016.

"The Pope's visit is recognition of the significant efforts by the European Society of Cardiology and medical professionals worldwide to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease," said ESC President, Professor Fausto Pinto. "We are honored to welcome Pope Francis."

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of mortality. It is responsible for more than 17 million deaths a year -- or 31% of all deaths globally -- according to the most recent data.