Pope Francis met with members of the Serafico Institute of Assisi, a Church-run organization which assists and educates young people with physical, mental and sensory disabilities.
The Institute is celebrating 150 years since its foundation. Pope Francis met the organization in Assisi in 2013.
Eight years later, he thanked members of the Serafico Institute for returning the visit. The Pope praised the Serafico staff for their dedication to their mission and for treating every person with the dignity they deserve.
POPE FRANCIS
'Every human being is precious, has value that does not depend on what he or she has nor on his or her capabilities, but on the simple fact that he or she is a person, image of God. If disability or sickness make life more difficult, this (life) is not less worthy of being lived, and of being lived fully.'
The Pope said that private organizations which provide assistance to people with disabilities should not be abandoned, but supported by the state.
When he finished speaking, the Pope made his way through the front rows, greeting each person one at a time.
He stopped to listen patiently to this little girl, who gave him a drawing and explained what it meant.
One boy wouldn't let go of the Pope's hand...
It was a moment full of moving exchanges between Pope Francis and beneficiaries from the Serafico Institute.
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