Vatican City: The Vatican’s Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital has been ranked the best pediatric hospital in Europe and sixth in the world in Newsweek’s 2026 World’s Best Hospitals ranking.
The ranking, prepared in partnership with data company Statista, evaluated 2,500 hospitals across 32 countries and examined performance in 12 medical fields, including pediatric care. It is based on surveys of healthcare professionals, independent data on quality and patient safety, and clinical outcomes.
Tiziano Onesti, president of the hospital, said the recognition reflects the daily dedication of the entire hospital community. He noted that doctors, nurses, researchers, administrative staff, volunteers and religious personnel work together to care for children and support their families.
He emphasized that specialized treatment is made possible through teamwork and attention to the human and relational aspects of care.
Bambino Gesù is the only pediatric hospital within Italy’s national health system to be included among the top 30 hospitals worldwide. The recognition also highlights the hospital’s steady growth and international credibility, including its Joint Commission International accreditation as an academic medical center for training, research and clinical care.
Today, the hospital is Europe’s leading pediatric center in terms of participation in European reference networks for rare diseases, with affiliations in 20 of the 24 networks.
Each year, the hospital provides nearly three million outpatient services, receives about 100,000 emergency room visits and performs more than 33,000 surgical procedures.
Onesti said the ranking is both a source of gratitude and a motivation to continue improving care. He stressed the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced, equitable and person centered treatment while sharing knowledge with healthcare systems in Italy and around the world.
The hospital also expressed gratitude to families who entrust their children to its care, as well as to the Holy See, Italy’s national health service, institutions, benefactors and partners who support its mission to serve children and young people.