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Benedict XVI: better assistance for the hearing disabled |
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20/11/2009 (1:12)
Respect and dignity for the hearing disabled is to be promoted. This is the appeal made by Pope Benedict XVI, in his address to participants at the international conference "Ephphatha", on the deaf person in life of the Church, organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care.
Taking a lead from the episode in the Gospel of the healing of the deaf man, Pope Benedict noted that Jesus not only healed the physical deafness but showed that mankind must be saved from the deafness of the spirit that raises higher and higher barriers to hearing the voice of God and neighbor. The Pope also condemned the culture of prejudice and discrimination against the sick and suffering, and he praised the efforts of the many organizations that seek to alleviate their living conditions, recalling the great commitment of the Church to Charity.
Finally, the Holy Father called for better health policies and appropriate legislation for the deaf, particularly in developing countries. The Church on Her part will continue to provide help and assistance in a spirit of love and solidarity.
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