Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “If it is true that in every stage human life deserves maximum respect, in some ways it deserves it even more when it is weighed down by old age and illness. Old age is the final lap of our earthly pilgrimage, which has different stages, each with its own lights and shadows ”. With these words the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI addressed the participants at the 22nd International Conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Pastoral, on the theme: "Pastoral Care for Elderly Sick Persons", received in audience at the end of the morning on 17 November.
Recalling the great importance of pastoral care for elderly sick people, since “thanks to increasing average life span, it involves more and more people, with many needs, but at the same time with many unquestionable human and spiritual resources”, Benedict XVI said that “today's efficiency mentality often tends to marginalise these brothers and sisters who suffer, as it they were only a ‘burden’ and a 'problem’ for society. Those with a sense of human dignity know that instead these people must be respected and assisted as they face the serious difficulties of their condition”.
The Holy Father then underlined that besides indispensable medical care, “it is necessary to demonstrate a capacity to love, because sick people need to be understood, comforted and continually encouraged and assisted. Elderly persons especially must be helped to live the last part of their earthly life in a conscious and human way and to prepare calmly for death which - we Christians know - is a passing to the tender and loving embrace of the heavenly Father”. In this accompaniment the family has an important role to ensure that “elderly sick persons spend the last part of their life at home, preparing for death in the warm atmosphere of the family”. Also in hospital, “ patients must not be denied contact with their loved ones and their environment. At difficult moments, sustained by pastoral care, patients must be encouraged to find in prayer and the comfort of the Sacraments the strength to bear their suffering. They must be surrounded by brothers in the faith, ready to listen and to share their sentiments”.
The exemplary “witness of faith and courage” offered, especially during his illness, by Pope John Paul II was recalled by Pope Benedict XVI who said that, contrary to the easy temptation of euthanasia, “human life is a gift of God, which we are all called to safeguard always. This is also the duty of health workers, whose specific mission is to be ‘ministers of life’ in all its stages, particularly those marked by fragility connected with infirmity. There is need for general commitment to ensure that human life is respected not only in Catholic hospitals but in every health care centre.” The Pope concluded “for Christians faith in Christ illuminates the illness and the condition of the elderly person, as it does every other event and stage of human existence” and he encouraged those present to spread "the Gospel of life". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2007; righe 36, parole 520)
