Pope Francis: Church must set an example in the way it cares for elderly

Pope Francis said that the Church must set an example in the way it treats elderly people. In his address to participants of the 28th International Conference of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, who met in Rome from 21 to 23 November, Pope Francis said that the elderly "carry with them the memory and the wisdom of life, which they transmit to others, and participate fully in the Church's mission. Let us remember that human life always maintains its value in the eyes of God, far beyond any discriminatory view."

He went on to mention how the increase in life expectancy throughout the twentieth century has also led a growing number of people to be affected by neurodegenerative pathologies, which are frequently accompanied by a deterioration in cognitive capacities. These pathologies have an impact on social and health care both in terms of research and in assistance in social and healthcare structures, as well as within the family, which is in need of help and adequate services to care for the elderly.

The Holy Father reiterated the importance of a form of healthcare which "alongside the traditional biomedical model, is enriched by allowing space for dignity and freedom, far from the reclusion and silence that too often surrounds those in the healthcare environment". He spoke also of the need "to put into practice a particular pastoral approach to accompany the religious life of elderly people with serious degenerative pathologies, with different forms and content, so as not to interrupt the dialogue and relationship of their minds and hearts with God".

"Dear friends" he concluded, addressing the elderly present, "you are not only the recipients of the evangelical message, but also, by virtue of your Baptism, its proclaimers in the fullest sense."

Source: VIS