In his annual message for this 15th World Day of the Sick, the pope decried the fact that too many poor people and people in underdeveloped nations are dying of diseases that are curable.

The World Day of the Sick is celebrated Feb 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This year the annual Vatican-sponsored conference and principal Mass for the observance is being held in Seoul, South Korea.

The incurably and terminally ill have a right to medical treatment and spiritual assistance to ease their suffering and help them die with dignity, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“The Church wishes to support the incurably and terminally ill by calling for just social policies which can help to eliminate the causes of many diseases and by urging improved care for the dying and those for whom no medical remedy is available,” the pope said in the message.

Pope Benedict said the world needs to do more “to promote policies which create conditions where human beings can bear even incurable illnesses and death in a dignified manner.”

In addition, he said, more structures must be put in place to ensure the dying have pain medication, human assistance and spiritual accompaniment as they end their earthly lives. “This is a right belonging to every human being, one which we must all be committed to defend,” he wrote.

Writing directly to those suffering from incurable and terminally illnesses, the pope said, “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.
“I ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in his love, especially during the trials you are experiencing,” he wrote.

The pope said Catholic health care professionals and chaplains want to assist the sick and “stand at your side, helping you in your hour of need and thus making present Christ's own loving mercy toward those who suffer.”
(CNS)