ASSIST THE DISABLED TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

VATICAN CITY, DEC 3, 2000 (VIS) - As their Jubilee came to a close, celebrations for the disabled were held this afternoon in the Paul VI Hall. Pope John Paul arrived in the middle of the four-hour program, listening to witnesses given by some of the handicapped and their care-givers as well as addressing those present in the hall.

"The festivities this afternoon," he said, "show that the integration of disabled persons has made progress, even though much remains to be done. There are, in fact, several urgent matters upon which we should reflect a while. Above all is the right that every handicapped man and woman has, in every country of the world, to a dignified life. It is not just a matter of satisfying specific needs, but more a question of gaining recognition for one's own desires to be welcomed and to autonomy. Integration must become part of our mentality and culture and at the same time legislators and government leaders must not fail to give this cause their coherent support."

The Holy Father added that "scientific research, for its part, is called to guarantee every possible form of prevention, safeguarding life and health. When a disability cannot be eliminated, it is always possible to release the potential that disability does not erase."

He underscored that the disabled must be guaranteed their rights "to study, work, to have a home and to the breaking down of barriers, and not just architectural ones!" And he urged those families, communities and associations who have the disabled in their midst or tend to them to continue to care for them "with respect and love."

John Paul II concluded: "'Blessed are the poor, the afflicted, those who are persecuted for justice's sake' for their reward in Heaven will be great! And herein lies the paradox of Christian hope: what seems to be a human ruin, in the divine plan is always a project of salvation."

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