Nov 19, 2007 / 09:54 am
During an audience on Saturday with participants of the 22nd international conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, Pope Benedict XVI called for complete respect for the life and human dignity of the infirm and the elderly, who are often marginalized as a “weight” and a “problem” by “today's mentality of efficiency."
The Pope commented on the theme of the conference, "The Pastoral Care of Elderly Sick People,” which is of interest to “an increasingly larger population, which has many needs and at the same time unmistakable human and spiritual resources.”
“Today's mentality of efficiency" views elderly sick people as "a 'burden' and a 'problem' for society,” the Holy Father said in his message. "Those who have an understanding of human dignity, however, know that the elderly must be respected and supported while they face the serious difficulties linked to their state," he added.
The elderly who are affected by incurable illnesses need palliative care that is able to mitigate the pain, the Holy Father said, in order to face "in a conscious and human way the last stage of earthly existence, to serenely prepare for death." Moreover, in addition to competent medical care, "the sick need understanding, comfort and constant encouragement and accompaniment."