Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Mexico, gathered for their plenary assembly, have issued a statement on Pastoral Care for brothers and sisters experience the tragedy of HIV/AIDS. This phenomenon, the statement reads, “is one of the most serious crisis of health, security and development which the planet has ever had to face ”, because it kills millions, destabilises families, makes millions of children orphans and threatens the social and the economic structures of whole communities.
“HIV is not only a virus which strikes the person's immunological system - the statement continues - it is also a complex social problem with implications not only for those who live with HIV or AIDS, but also for their families and communities ”. Therefore the challenge is to find effective solutions. In this sense according to the Bishops, “the promotion of social justice is a decisive factor for fighting the problem ”, although much remains to be done, such as “safeguarding and defence of the rights of people who live with HIV or are affected with AIDS, and the creation of public policies to guarantee what is termed ‘Universal Access’, which is more than access to antiviral therapy ”.
The Bishops of Mexico endorse the teaching of the 5th Conference at Aparecida underlining the need to create specific pastoral care for people with HIV “in order to promote understanding and merciful care and defence of the rights of infected persons; to increase information, promote education and prevention with ethic criteria, mainly among the young generations, so that everyone is aware that this pandemic must be controlled ”.
Already in 2005, through its Commission for Social Pastoral, the Mexican Bishops' Conference, fostered the creation of a Hope for Life, campaign “with which the local Catholic Church wished to contribute to the struggle against the plague of the virus and against discrimination”, giving impulse to the formation of REDFE, a network of organisations united by the Christian faith, working in the field HIV/AIDS in Mexico. The goal of the Hope for Life Campaign was first of all to promote within the Church, in the minds and hearts of all Catholics, sentiments and actions solidarity, respect, acceptance of all those who live with HIV and/or AIDS.
Moreover the Bishops' commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS intends to be also ecumenical, “let us co-ordinate with other Christians working or anxious to work in this field to help those affected”. “Our activity - the statement explains - is open and seeks the contribution of civil society bodies willing to work for the same goal and also with government instances”, because “such a massive task demands unity of all possible efforts”
The statement concludes with a prayer that Our Lady of Guadalupe, “may inspire our actions and the activity of all, that we may address this social problem in a creative, human and Christian way and accept our brothers and sisters living with HIV/AIDS with respect and love”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 4/4/2008; righe 37, parole 505)
