Pope Francis tweeted his prayer request for Vincent Lambert, who died early Thursday morning.
“May God the Father welcome Vincent Lambert in His arms.” He then sent a request out to society saying, “Let us not build a civilization that discards persons, those whose lives we no longer consider to be worthy of living: every life is valuable, always.”
Vincent Lambert was the Frenchman in a vegetative state for the past 11 years, relying on machines for his food and liquid. Doctors withdrew his food and hydration on July 2. He died nine days later.
The interim Vatican spokesperson, Alessandro Gisotti also released a press release expressing the Holy See's closeness to Vincent's loved ones and those who assisted him with love.
The Pontifical Academy for Life also tweeted saying they are praying for Vincent's family and doctors. They said his story is a “defeat for our humanity.”