MONDAYAugust 28, 2000 volume 11, no. 153
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NEWS for Monday, August 28, 2000 CASTEL GANDOLFO, AUGUST 27 (ZENIT.org)
"The innumerable possibilities
of modern medicine must be placed at the effective service of mankind
and be applied in total respect for human dignity," John Paul II says to
the world of scientific research in his message for next year's World
Day of the Sick.
A few days after the Pontifical Academy for Life's categorical
condemnation of the "therapeutic" use of stem cells cloned from human
embryos, the Pope's voice has been raised to remind us that humanity and
human dignity are above all economic and therapeutic interests that
scientific research can pursue. At present, there is great interest in
what the Holy Father will say next Tuesday, when he addresses the
International Transplants Congress, currently taking place in Rome.
World Day of the Sick, will be held on February 11, 2001, in Sydney,
Australia, with the theme "The New Evangelization and the Dignity of the
Suffering." In the past, World Days of the Sick have been held in places
of faith like Lourdes, Fatima, Czestochowa, Guadalupe, Yamoussoukro, and
Rome, during the current Holy Year. Respect for Man and MedicineIn his message to the world's sick, the Holy Father recalls that the Church "has always tried to support therapeutic progress, always seeking greater quality care for the sick"; at the same time, it "has intervened in all areas so that the rights of the person are respected, and people's genuine well-being is pursued.""Also today, faithful to Gospel principles, the Magisterium does not cease to propose the moral criteria that will lead the men and women of medicine to further study of aspects of research that, to date, have not been sufficiently clarified, without violating the exigencies derived from authentic humanism," the Holy Father wrote. The Pope confirms that we cannot help "but look favorably" upon scientific research and, at the same time, writes: "it is necessary that clinical experimentation take place in absolute respect for the person, and in clear awareness of the risks and, consequently, of the limits it entails." Confessions from One Who Experiences IllnessThe Pope's message to the sick expresses feelings of great closeness. "Having shared, over these years and on various occasions, the experience of sickness, I have increasingly understood its value for my Petrine ministry and the life of the Church."Because of this, "Every day I go on a spiritual pilgrimage to hospitals and nursing homes, where there are people of all ages and social conditions," the Holy Father explains. In fact, they are like "shrines, in which persons participate in the Paschal mystery of Christ," and where "it is important that a qualified presence of believers never be lacking." The Pope called on the world's medical professionals and health agents to be fraternally close to their patients. In order to do this, it is important to remember that all medication, therapy, or surgical operation be subject to specific limitations imposed by the ethical convictions of believers, as well as the inviolable exigency of "authentic humanism." John Paul II calls on governments and institutions to do everything possible so that health resources are justly distributed in the world in the near future. "Wonderful Pages of Evangelical Charity"Following his counsels and requests, the Pope expresses his gratitude for the service of volunteers, and NGOs but, above all, for the dedication of men and women religious and laity, who are committed to a "frontier" health service in the most forgotten areas of the globe, in the midst of epidemics and armed conflicts. They are the Good Samaritans of the third millennium who are writing "wonderful pages of evangelical charity," the Pope concludes. ZE00082706
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