PAPAL APPEAL TO DEFEND DIGNITY, RIGHTS OF MENTALLY ILL

VATICAN CITY, APR 4, 2001 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience and following his multi-lingual greetings to the 15,000 pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square, the Pope pointed out that "April 7 is World Health Day, whose theme this year is the mentally 'handicapped'."

"On this occasion," he stated, "I renew my appeal to everyone, in keeping with their own responsibilities, to commit themselves to defending the dignity and rights of the mentally ill. May no one remain indifferent to these brothers and sisters of ours. The Church looks at those who suffer such illnesses with respect and affection, and exhorts the entire human community to welcome them, with special attention for the poorest and most forsaken."

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