Vatican City, Dec 3, 2020 / 06:05 am
People with disabilities must have access to the sacraments and, as missionary disciples, the ability to be full and active participants in the life of their Catholic parish, Pope Francis said Thursday.
"Before all else, I strongly reaffirm the right of persons with disabilities to receive the sacraments, like all other members of the Church," he said in a message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Dec. 3.
"All liturgical celebrations in the parish should be accessible" to the disabled, he continued, "so that, together with their brothers and sisters, each of them can deepen, celebrate, and live their faith."
"I reiterate the need to make available suitable and accessible means for handing on the faith," he said. "No one should be excluded from the grace of these sacraments."