Pope Francis Daily

Increasing sensitivity, scientific
research and above all access to care: these were the three aspects upon which
the Pope wished to reflect in confronting the delicate and painful problem of
rare diseases, which “affect millions of people throughout the world. The
occasion was his meeting in the Paul VI Hall, Friday morning, 29
April, with participants in the International Conference on the Progress of
Regenerative Medicine and its Cultural Impact,
the third of its kind sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture.
The following is the English text of the Pope’s address, which was given in
Italian.

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to welcome all of you. I thank Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi for his
words and, above all, for having organized this meeting on the challenging
problem of rare diseases within today’s social and cultural context. During your discussions, you have offered
your professionalism and high-level expertise in the area of researching new
treatments.

At the same time, you have
not ignored ethical, anthropological, social and cultural questions, as well as
the complex problem of access to care for those afflicted by rare
conditions. These patients are often not
given sufficient attention, because investing in them is not expected to
produce substantial economic returns. In
my ministry I frequently meet people affected by so called “rare diseases. These illnesses affect millions of people
throughout the world, and cause suffering and anxiety for all those who care
for them, starting with family members.

Your meeting takes on greater significance
in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy; mercy is “the fundamental law that
dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his
brothers and sisters on the path of life (Misericordiae Vultus,
2). Your work is a sign of hope, as it
brings together people and institutions from diverse cultures, societies and
religions, all united in their deep concern for the sick.

I wish to reflect, albeit briefly, on three
aspects of the commitment of the Pontifical Council for Culture and
institutions working with it: the Vatican Science and Faith Foundation–stoq,
the Stem for Life Foundation, and many others who are cooperating in this
cultural initiative.

The
first is “increasing sensitivity. It is
fundamentally important that we promote greater empathy in society, and not
remain indifferent to our neighbour’s cry for help, including when he or she is
suffering from a rare disease. We know
that we cannot always find fast cures to complex illnesses, but we can be
prompt in caring for these persons, who often feel abandoned and ignored. We should be sensitive towards all,
regardless of religious belief, social standing or culture.

The second aspect that guides your efforts
is “research, seen in two inseparable actions: education and genuine
scientific study. Today more than ever
we see the urgent need for an education that not only develops students’
intellectual abilities, but also ensures integral human formation and a
professionalism of the highest degree.
From this pedagogical perspective, it is necessary in medical and life
sciences to offer interdisciplinary courses which provide ample room for a
human formation supported by ethical criteria.
Research, whether in academia or industry, requires unwavering attention
to moral issues if it is to be an instrument which safeguards human life and
the dignity of the person. Formation and
research, therefore, aspire to serve higher values, such as solidarity,
generosity, magnanimity, sharing of knowledge, respect for human life, and
fraternal and selfless love.

The
third aspect I wish to mention is “ensuring access to care. In my Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii
Gaudium I highlighted the value of human progress today, citing “areas such
as health care, education and communications (52). I also strongly emphasized, however, the need
to oppose “an economy of exclusion and inequality (53) that victimizes people
when the mechanism of profit prevails over the value of human life. This is why the globalization of indifference
must be countered by the globalization of empathy. We are called to make known throughout the
world the issue of rare diseases, to invest in appropriate education, to
increase funds for research, and to promote necessary legislation as well as an
economic paradigm shift. In this way,
the centrality of the human person will be rediscovered. Thanks to coordinated efforts at various
levels and in different sectors, it is becoming possible not only to find
solutions to the sufferings which afflict our sick brothers and sisters, but
also to secure access to care for them.

I encourage you to nurture these values
which are already a part of your academic and cultural programme, begun some
years ago. So too I urge you to continue
to integrate more people and institutions throughout the world into your
work. During this Jubilee Year, may you
be capable and generous co-operators with the Father’s mercy. I accompany you and bless you on this
journey; and I ask you, please, pray for me.
Thank you.