The pope met with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. They have been meeting the past few days for their plenary assembly, to discuss the theological basis of treating patients with severe or terminal illnesses.
The pope spoke against valuing a person based on his or her efficiency or utility. He said this is losing sight of the infinite value of every person in any condition.
POPE FRANCIS
In this situation of the loss of values, there is also the loss of the imperative duty of solidarity, and of human and Christian fraternity.
The pope said one of the Church's tasks is to teach people to care for those who suffer, in this case, the terminally ill.
POPE FRANCIS
The relational, and not merely clinical, approach to the sick person—to be considered in his or her uniqueness and wholeness—imposes the responsibility to never abandon anyone in the presence of incurable illness.
In his address, the pope said the Congregation is currently updating norms regarding crimes of abuse, so that procedures can be more effective.
This same department is responsible for judging the priests guilty of these terrible crimes.
Javier Martínez-Brocal/ Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres
