HEALTH CARE, A PRIVILEGED WAY TO WITNESS TO GOD'S PRESENCE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 12, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father received 1,000 participants in a meeting promoted by the National Office for Health Pastoral Ministry of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) on the theme "The Italian Church in the World of Health. Identity and New Directions."

After welcoming those present, including Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the CEI president, the Pope said: "I also extend my greetings to all persons who are ill and suffering, to their families and to those who care for them. Truly - as I wrote in my Message this year for the World Day of the Sick - I would ideally like, every day, to go and visit those who are suffering."

"You are gathered," he told the participants, "to study more deeply the meaning and ways in which you can bring about Christ's mandate" to "'Go, announce the Kingdom of God and heal the sick'." He recalled that "Christ not only healed the sick, but was also a tireless promoter of health through His saving presence, teaching and action. ... By imitating Christ, Who took upon Himself the 'sorrowful' face of man to make him 'glorious', the Church is called to walk the ways of man, especially when he suffers, ... to listen to him, care for him, ease his pain, open him to understanding the meaning and saving value of suffering."

John Paul II remarked that the Church, in her care of and concern for mankind, "is supported by a vision of health, which is not just the simple absence of illness, but rather a tending toward a full harmony and healthy equilibrium at mental, spiritual and social levels." The Church must be close to those in pain "with compassion and solidarity. ... This service to man tried by illness proposes the close collaboration between pastoral and health care workers, spiritual assistants and health care volunteers."

In closing remarks, the Holy Father thanked all those who work in the field of health care, including the many ecclesial associations and the "numerous religious institutions who ... continue to play an important role in this sector. ... Theirs is a public service which I greatly hope will be justly recognized by civil authorities. ... This is a privileged sphere in which the Church is called to witness to the Lord's presence. ... Let us go forward with hope!"

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