Pope Francis sent a letter to all participants of the International Symposium on Leprosy on January 23, urging the world not to abandon these poorest people on the margins and encouraging Christian groups to be at the forefront of work to always the poorest.
(Vatican News Network) “We must never forget our brothers and sisters who have leprosy”. This is what Pope Francis emphasized in a letter to all those who took part in the International Leper Symposium on January 23. The international symposium “Do not leave anyone behind” was held at the Episcopal Augustinian College in Rome on January 23-24, and it’ to organized by three organizations from Europe in collaboration with the Collaborative organization of the Ministry of Promotion of Integral Human Development of the Holy which was held. The workshop focused on achieving “Elimination of Leprosy” and providing services to people suffering from other neglected tropical diseases, thereby building an inclusive and caring society.
In the letter, the Pope drew attention to the fact that “due to the stigma of leprosy, which causes serious violations of human rights throughout the world”, we must not ignore a disease that still affects so many people throughout the world, especially those who live “in a poorer social environment.” “This is the current challenge, and we shouldn’t be afraid.”
To this end, the Pope reminded us, we must ask ourselves “how best to work with lepers, seeing them as whole persons”. “I hope this meeting will help gather voices from all over the world and discuss steps that can be taken to further promote respect for human dignity,” said the Pope.
The Pope also expressed his closeness to leprosy patients around the world and encouraged them to strive for spiritual support and medical care. Finally, the Pope encouraged all Christian communities to be at the forefront of efforts to promote the full integration of people affected by leprosy.
Link URL: www.vaticannews.cn
