Message of his holiness Pope Francis for the thirtieth world day of the sicky, on February 11, 2022
09/02/2022
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36).
Standing beside those who suffer on a path of charity
On the occasion of the 30th World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis states how important it is to have access to health care everywhere in the world, especially in the most remote places. The Holy Father recalls that, like the Good Samaritan, the Christian community has founded many centres of welcome over the centuries, “where love and care can be given to people with various kinds of sickness, especially those whose health needs are not being met due to poverty or social exclusion or to the difficulties associated with treating certain pathologies”. […] Merciful like the Father, countless missionaries have combined the preaching of the Gospel with the construction of hospitals, dispensaries and care homes. These are precious means whereby Christian charity has taken visible shape and the love of Christ, witnessed by that of his disciples, has become more credible.”
The IMS’s care network shows how valuable and essential it is to have access to quality treatment in all parts of the world. Its network of care includes 107 partner hospitals or clinics, including some 20 Catholic institutions. The IMS is seeking to expand its network even further in order to continue its mission of solidarity.
Pope Francis renews his support for all these health structures and reaffirms the importance of Catholic health institutions: “ they are a precious treasure to be protected and preserved; their presence has distinguished the history of the Church, showing her closeness to the sick and the poor, and to situations overlooked by others. [5] How many founders of religious families have listened to the cry of their brothers and sisters who lack access to care or are poorly cared for, and have given their utmost in their service! Today too, even in the most developed countries, their presence is a blessing, since in addition to caring for the body with all necessary expertise, they can always offer the gift of charity, which focuses on the sick themselves and their families. At a time in which the culture of waste is widespread and life is not always acknowledged as worthy of being welcomed and lived, these structures, like “houses of mercy”, can be exemplary in protecting and caring for all life, even the most fragile, from its beginning until its natural end.”
If you are in charge of a Catholic health institution, please contact Mr. Sylvain Sacheli s.sacheli@unionsaintmartin.fr to study the possibility of an agreement with the IMS.
Find the complete speech of Pope Francis on the Vatican website