The pharmacy celebrates its first year in operation

Always putting the person at the center, through welcome, care, and a spirit of fraternity, considering the profession as a true mission, according to the charism of Saint John of God. These are the values ​​that inspire the activity of the pharmacy, which is celebrating its first year of operation in the Charlemagne Wing of Saint Peter’s Square.

Now that it’s been a year since the opening, what assessment can be made of this experience?

One year after its opening, the assessment of this experience is undoubtedly very positive. The idea of ​​opening a pharmacy under St. Peter’s Colonnade, on the occasion of the Jubilee, arose from the simple yet concrete desire to be close to people: to offer immediate help, advice, over-the-counter medication, or a useful product to pilgrims and visitors experiencing the Square during times of high traffic.

From the outset, the goal has not only been to guarantee accessible healthcare but also to demonstrate a spirit of welcome, attention, and care for others. In this first year, we have seen many people come through with diverse stories and small but important needs: a sudden illness, a request for guidance, the need to be heard.

Over time, this new reality has grown and become established, increasingly becoming a point of reference for those passing through St. Peter’s Square. Alongside dispensing medications and offering advice for minor health issues, attention to personal well-being and care has always been paramount, also through products bearing the Vatican Pharmacy brand.

Looking back on this first year, we can say that it has been a rich, concrete, and profoundly human experience, which has confirmed how important it is to be present, competent, but above all, with a spirit of service.

What have been the main challenges in setting up the Parapharmacy?

Like any new venture, the launch of the pharmacy has been accompanied by new, diverse, and stimulating challenges. From the very beginning, we have faced a dynamic and constantly evolving reality, made up of ever-changing people, situations, and needs.

Different languages, distant customs, and often immediate demands: each encounter required attention, listening, and adaptability. However, precisely because of the Vatican Pharmacy’s desire to offer assistance to pilgrims of hope, these difficulties have been transformed into genuine opportunities.

Thanks to the commitment, professionalism, and availability of our collaborators, what initially seemed complex has become an opportunity for growth and mutual enrichment. Each challenge faced has been transformed into a moment of encounter and a concrete example of welcome, helping us find new and increasingly attentive ways to serve those in front of us each day.

How have people responded to the opening of the pharmacy?

The new pharmacy has been welcomed from the very beginning with curiosity and enthusiasm, both by those who live in this place every day—such as the employees and the people who gravitate around St. Peter’s Square—and by those who come here as visitors or pilgrims.

In a short time, the pharmacy has become well-known and recognized, establishing itself as a go-to resource for many who, for various reasons, have found a concrete solution to a need or requirement. Its easy access and extended opening hours have undoubtedly contributed to providing immediate and convenient service, fostering a simple and natural relationship of trust.

What are the most appreciated services or products?

Maintaining the long-standing identity of the Vatican Pharmacy, the Parapharmacy also distinguishes itself through its commitment to quality and its open, international perspective. Products dedicated to the Jubilee Year and those bearing the Vatican Pharmacy brand, which combine effectiveness, personalized attention, and strong symbolic value, generate considerable interest. These products are not merely a purchase but often become a memento, a tangible reminder of the experience enjoyed in this place.

How does this pharmacy differ from other similar businesses in the area?

This pharmacy has a unique characteristic: it’s a true “window to the world.” Its strategic location allows it to connect with people from all corners of the globe and offer something truly unique. Here you can find products  made in Vatican City State alongside international specialties, often difficult to find elsewhere. This combination makes for a special experience and sparks the curiosity of many.

Another distinctive element is the focus on product accessibility and convenience, an aspect to which users are increasingly sensitive. It’s not just about attracting those seeking something new or different, but also about responding simply and effectively to specific and immediate needs.

What values ​​guide your way of working?

One of the most beautiful aspects of our work is the privilege of always putting the person at the center, in a direct, continuous, and authentic relationship. Every encounter is, above all, a human encounter.

What we strive to convey each day is rooted in the witness of Saint John of God: welcome, care for our neighbor, a spirit of fraternity, and a profession lived as a true mission. These are the values ​​that have always guided our work and that give meaning even to the simplest gestures.

What goals have you set for next year?

The main objective is to continue growing. Growing by consolidating what has already been built, strengthening services for those who live here every day, but also improving the experience for those who come from afar, from all parts of the world, and are drawn in by new products and a different experience.

We want to be increasingly able to respond to the needs of both while maintaining an attentive, friendly, and human service style.

Are there any new services or projects in the pipeline?

Creating a climate of trust and belonging is the essential foundation upon which to envision the future. With this spirit and with a constant focus on user satisfaction, upcoming projects will be geared towards developing increasingly personalized services.

We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to our colleagues who have bravely and professionally faced the initial challenges of this new opening, providing assistance to pilgrims. In discussions with the Governing Board, we are evaluating new proposals, including a possible expansion of the exhibition space and an improved warehouse organization, to make the service even more efficient and welcoming.

Source:  www.vaticanstate.va