Pope: No aid institution can replace human compassion
By Francesca Merlo
Pope Francis based his speech around 3 key words: miracle, care and trust. These three words are very valuable in a world in which health in general 鈥渁nd particularly in Latin America, is living through an era marked by the economic crisis鈥�, said the Pope.
A brother in every face
With regards to the first word, 鈥榤iracle鈥�, the Pope said, 鈥淭hose responsible for the institutions will tell me, and rightfully so, that we cannot perform 尘颈谤补肠濒别蝉鈥�. But, he explained, a miracle is not doing the impossible. A miracle is looking at an ill, helpless person and seeing a brother.
The Pope explained that 鈥渨e are called upon to recognise the immense value of every person鈥檚 dignity, as a human being, as a son of God鈥�. This, cannot fix every hitch of society, but it can 鈥渃lear the way for change鈥�, in our minds and in our society.
The value of giving and receiving love
The second word: care. Because curing an ill person does not simply involve applying pharmaceuticals. 鈥淲e know that when someone who is terminally ill is in serene, human company, they perceive this solidarity.鈥� Even in these difficult cases, when the person can feel such love, respect and acceptance, the value of their being becomes their capability to give and receive love, not their productivity鈥�, said Pope Francis.
One鈥檚 life in the hands of another
The final word is 鈥榯rust鈥�. Pope Francis鈥� first example, is 鈥渢he trust the ill person has in themselves, that they will get better鈥�. Of no less importance is the worker, who must be able to work in a serene atmosphere, in trusted surroundings.
鈥淧lacing yourself in the hands of someone else, especially when your life is at risk, is very difficult鈥� said Pope Francis. The relationship between a doctor and their patient has always been based on responsibility and loyalty.
Carrying hope to those who need it most
鈥淲e must fight to keep this deeply human bond whole鈥� said Pope Francis. 鈥淣o aid institution alone can take the place of a human heart, nor that of human compassion.鈥�, he said, quoting Pope Saint John Paul II.
Pope Francis concluded by urging those present to carry hope and happiness to as many families as possible who, perhaps, have none.
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