杏MAP导航 calls for united effort in fight against leprosy

In India, a teacher affected by Hansen's disease prays with children of patients at the Gandhiji Prem Nivas Leprosy Centre, which was established by St Teresa of Calcutta.

杏MAP导航

On World Leprosy Day, 杏MAP导航 Francis calls on world leaders to unite their efforts to combat leprosy, also known as Hansen鈥檚 disease.

By Vatican News staff reporter

杏MAP导航 Francis expressed his closeness to all those who suffer from Hansen鈥檚 disease 鈥� better known as leprosy 鈥� on World Leprosy Day, which is observed each year on the last Sunday in January to increase public awareness of the condition.

The Holy Father also offered words of encouragement to missionaries, health workers, and volunteers committed to serving those affected by the disease.

In his remarks, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that the Covid-19 pandemic 鈥渉as confirmed the need to protect the right to health for those who are most fragile.鈥� He said he hopes 鈥渢hat the leaders of nations will unite their efforts to treat those suffering from Hansen鈥檚 disease and for their social inclusion.鈥�

鈥淏eat Leprosy鈥�

The theme for this year鈥檚 observance is 鈥淏eat Leprosy.鈥� In a to mark the Day, Cardinal Peter Turkson said, 鈥淭his noble aim begins with the medical reality that leprosy is a curable disease; but beating leprosy involves more than a mere medical struggle. It also seeks to eliminate the social stigma that accompanies this difficult illness and ultimately envisions the restoration of the human person in an integral way.鈥�

Recalling an account of Jesus healing a leper from the Gospel of St Luke, the Prefect for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human development noted that in addition to physical healing, the Lord also 鈥渁pplies the salve of human dignity.鈥� He said, 鈥淲hen the Church speaks of God鈥檚 generous offer of salvation, that gift is both universal and integral. God desires to heal all people and the whole person.鈥� The Cardinal noted that integral health involves the personal and social dimension, as well as both the physical and spiritual nature of the individual.

Cardinal Turkson concluded his message by expressing his 鈥渟incere respect and gratitude to all who dedicate themselves to 鈥榖eat leprosy鈥� and offer healing and hope to those who suffer from Hansen鈥檚 disease.鈥� They show us, he said, 鈥渋n very practical ways, that leprosy is curable, that human encounter can eliminate stigma, and that mental well-being is an essential part of integral health.鈥�

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