The title of Pope Francis' message: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Lk 6:36). Let us stand with the suffering with love". Pope Francis urges healthcare workers to listen to patients and take care of the relationship with them, because the person is always more important than the disease itself.
The World Day of the Sick is celebrated by St. II. Pope John Paul II announced 30 years ago that he would draw the attention of the people of God, Catholic healthcare institutions and civil society to the sick and the people who care for them.
In his message for this year's World Day, Pope Francis explores the themes of mercy, love, care and consolation. He turns to the witnesses of merciful love whom the sick meet in their painful moments, who stand by them and pour the oil of consolation and the wine of hope on their wounds. Their presence is especially important during the pandemic, when patients are lonely and vulnerable in the intensive care unit. The Pope reminds us that, due to the epidemic situation, World Day will be held this year in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and not in Arequipa, Peru.
In his message, Pope Francis addresses the doctors, nurses, laboratory assistants, caregivers, and the many volunteers who dedicate their precious time to the suffering. "Dear healthcare workers, your service to patients with love and expertise goes beyond the boundaries of your occupation and turns it into a mission. You touch the suffering body of Christ with your hands, thereby becoming signs of the merciful hand of the Father. Be aware of the noble dignity of your occupation and the responsibility that comes with it".
Acknowledging the important achievements of medicine and technology, the Pope notes: we must not forget the uniqueness, dignity and fragility of patients. The sick person is always more important than the disease itself, therefore no treatment can refuse to carefully listen to the patient, it must take into account his personal life history and fears. If it is not possible to cure a person, it is possible to comfort him. The Holy Father therefore recommends training processes for healthcare workers that prepare them to listen and nurture human relationships.
Let's pray for all healthcare workers, that they may provide the patients with the appropriate care and their fraternal closeness full of mercy! - urges the Pope in his message for the 30th World Day of the Sick.
Source: Vaticannews
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