The Pontiff addressed a group of gynecologists, obstetricians, and health professionals from the Calabria region, southern Italy. He spoke about prayer as a remedy.
Vatican City (02/06/2025 16:37, Gaudium Press) Concluding a series of audiences granted on the morning of Thursday, February 6, Pope Francis Pope Francis addressed health professionals and health workers from the Calabria region, southern Italy. The Pontiff emphasized the beauty of these professions, highlighting that they are a vocation and a hymn to life, even more important in this historical moment.
Health Professionals Provide Serenity
“Indeed, in Italy, and also in other countries, it seems that enthusiasm for motherhood and fatherhood has been lost; they are seen as a source of difficulties and problems, and not as the opening of a new horizon of creativity and happiness. And this – we know – depends a lot on the social and cultural context,” lamented the Holy Father, who also reflected on three complementary and interdisciplinary areas of their life and mission: professionalism, human sensitivity, and prayer.
Regarding professionalism, Francis emphasized that “the continuous improvement of competence is part not only of your code of ethics but also of a path to lay holiness. Competence is the instrument with which you can better exercise the charity entrusted to you, both in the normal accompaniment of expectant mothers and in the treatment of critical and painful situations.” According to the Pontiff, the presence of prepared professionals provides serenity and, in the most serious situations, can save lives.
Human Sensitivity and Daily Prayer
Addressing human sensitivity, the Pope stated that “at a crucial moment of existence, such as the birth of a son or daughter, we can feel vulnerable, fragile, and therefore more in need of closeness, tenderness, and warmth. It is very good, in these circumstances, to have sensitive and delicate people by our side.” He then recommended these health professionals to cultivate, in addition to professional skill, a great sense of humanity.
Finally, the Holy Father addressed the theme of prayer, assuring that it “is a hidden but effective remedy that believers have at their disposal because it heals the soul. Sometimes, it will be possible to share it with patients; in other circumstances, it will be possible to offer it to God with discretion and humility, in your own heart, respecting each person’s creed and path.” Francis exhorted them to feel responsible for praying for their patients, especially in the Holy Mass, in Eucharistic Adoration, and in simple daily prayer.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
