Vatican prelate emphasizes Church’s closeness to the disabled

December 05, 2012

The Church is close to”those who are suffering from various forms of limitations, physical or mental,” the president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers said in a message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“It is always useful to raise awareness on the concepts of dignity, rights, and well-being of our brothers and sisters, raising awareness of the benefits that may result from their integration in the various aspects of social life,” Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski continued. “The world ‘rights,’ in fact, cannot be the prerogative of the few, the strong, and successful.”

“With new eyes, disability must therefore be taken as an expression of the uniqueness of each person,” he added. “It is necessary to try to promote the integral good of persons with disabilities, giving them the necessary support and the necessary protection, even if it may result in a greater financial and social burden. The Church, in particular, will be part of this important effort, with her closeness, illuminating them with the light of faith and the hope that comes from solidarity and love.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Day of the Disabled: "The world of rights cannot be the privilege for the few, the strong and successful" (Fides)
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2012 (United Nations)