Pope Leo XIV has sent a message to the participants in the International Conference on Health organized by Caritas International, which concludes this Thursday in Castel Gandolfo, encouraging them to strengthen healthcare inspired by the Gospel and grounded in the dignity of every human person. The text, released by the Secretariat of State and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, recalls that caring for the sick is an essential part of the Church’s evangelizing mission.
According to Caritas International, the meeting brings together representatives from Caritas organizations in more than twenty countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas under the theme «A Holistic Approach to Health in the Caritas Confederation». The conference aims to strengthen cooperation among the various national Caritas organizations and to define common strategies for addressing the health challenges faced by millions of people in contexts marked by poverty, armed conflict, forced displacement, climate change, and humanitarian crises.
A Comprehensive Vision of Health
Throughout the working sessions, health program coordinators, international experts, and ecclesial representatives are addressing issues such as access to medical care, maternal and child health, mental health, nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the pastoral accompaniment of the sick.
Caritas International maintains that health cannot be reduced to the mere absence of disease, but must be understood as an integral reality encompassing the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and communal dimensions of the person. This approach inspires the confederation’s work in numerous countries, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
Christ, the “Divine Physician” Who Restores Dignity to the Sick
In this context, Leo XIV recalls in his message that the Gospels frequently present Jesus Christ as the “Divine Physician,” who heals the physical, spiritual, and psychological wounds of those who come to Him.
The Pope explains that, by restoring health to the sick, Christ manifests the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image and likeness of God, and anticipates the definitive salvation offered by the Lord.
To reinforce this idea, he cites his recent document Magnifica humanitas, in which he affirms that “ontological dignity” belongs to every human being “by the simple fact of existing, of having been willed, created, and loved by God,” a dignity that remains intact regardless of each individual’s personal circumstances.
Care for the Sick Is Part of Evangelization
Leo XIV encourages the members of Caritas International to continue collaborating in the Church’s mission through their closeness to the sick and those who suffer.
The Pontiff recalls that proclaiming the Kingdom of God is not limited to transmitting a message, but also involves being present alongside those who endure pain, illness, or exclusion.
In this regard, he also refers to Dilexi te, where he states that salvation “is not an abstract idea,” but begins with the concrete gesture of healing the wounds of those who suffer.
A Call to Strengthen International Cooperation
In his message, Leo XIV expresses his hope that the conclusions of the meeting will help foster ever closer cooperation among the organizations that make up Caritas Internationalis and improve healthcare from a perspective inspired by Gospel values.
The Holy Father encourages participants to continue making the Church’s closeness visible wherever human suffering calls for a concrete response, convinced that charitable action constitutes a privileged way of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
Finally, he imparts his apostolic blessing to all attendees and their collaborators, trusting that their work will continue to bring “the compassion and goodness of God” to the sick and to all those most in need.