Stressing that nurses deserve to be more fully valued and their working conditions improved, Pope Francis said the pandemic had brought to light healthcare deficiencies in some countries.

“Nursing and Midwifery embodies the best of human endeavours, positively contributing to the health and well-being of so many lives," says European Federation of Nurses Associations President, Elizabeth Adams.

The ‘Google Doodle’ is in memory of Mary Seacole, who was named the greatest ever black Briton in a 2003 BBC poll.