Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale38

Here it is necessary to stress once again the need for more palliative care centres

which provide integral care, offering the sick the human assistance and spiritual

accompaniment they need. This is a right belonging to every human being, one

which we must all be committed to defend.

Here I would like to encourage the efforts of those who work daily to

ensure that the incurably and terminally ill, together with their families,

receive adequate and loving care. The Church, following the example of the

Good Samaritan, has always shown particular concern for the infirm.

Through her individual members and institutions, she continues to stand

alongside the suffering and to attend the dying, striving to preserve their

dignity at these significant moments of human existence. Many such indivi-

duals - health care professionals, pastoral agents and volunteers - and

institutions throughout the world are tirelessly serving the sick, in hospitals

and in palliative care units, on city streets, in housing projects and parishes.

I now turn to you, my dear brothers and sisters suffering from incurable

and terminal diseases. I encourage you to contemplate the sufferings of Christ

crucified, and, in union with him, to turn to the Father with complete trust

that all life, and your lives in particular, are in his hands. Trust that your

sufferings, united to those of Christ, will prove fruitful for the needs of the

Church and the world. I ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in his love,

especially during these trials that you are experiencing. It is my hope that,

wherever you are, you will always find the spiritual encouragement and

strength needed to nourish your faith and bring you closer to the Father of

Life. Through her priests and pastoral workers, the Church wishes to assist

you and stand at your side, helping you in your hour of need, and thus

making present Christ's own loving mercy towards those who suffer.

In conclusion, I ask ecclesial communities throughout the world, and

particularly those dedicated to the service of the infirm, to continue, with

the help of Mary, Salus Infirmorum, to bear effective witness to the loving

concern of God our Father. May the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, comfort

those who are ill and sustain all who have devoted their lives, as Good

Samaritans, to healing the physical and spiritual wounds of those who suffer.

United to each of you in thought and prayer, I cordially impart my Apostolic

Blessing as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 8 December 2006.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI