Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Armed conflicts, natural disasters and "spreading terrorism" kill but they also cause psychological traumas and mental distress, which in economically developed countries combine with "the negative influence of the crisis of moral values".

People suffering from mental health problems—often isolated and treated as a burden—are the focus of Pope Benedict XVI's message for the 14th World Day of the Sick that was released today.

The Day itself is celebrated every year on February 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 2006, it will be celebrated in Adelaide, Australia, culminating with a Eucharistic celebration in the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, whom the Pope called "the untiring missionary of the populations of the East."

Papal messages are the traditional way to tell Christians how to deal with given issues and give them an opportunity to reflect upon them

On this occasion, the Church intends to draw the attention of public opinion "to the problems connected with mental disturbance, which by now afflicts one fifth of mankind and constitutes a real and authentic social health care emergency."

The message calls "for the commitment of Church communities to bear witness to the tender mercy of God towards them."

"In many countries," the Pope writes, "legislation in this field does not yet exist and in other countries a precise policy on mental health is absent. It should also be observed that the prolongation of armed conflicts in various areas of the world, the succession of terrible natural catastrophes, and the spread of terrorism, in addition to causing a shocking number of deaths, have also created mental traumas in not a few survivors, whose recovery at times is difficult."

Furthermore, "in countries with high economic development, the experts recognize that at the origin of new forms of mental disturbance we may also find the negative impact of the crisis of moral values. This increases the sense of loneliness, undermining and even breaking down traditional forms of social cohesion, beginning with the institution of the family, and marginalizing the sick, and especially the mentally ill, who are often seen as a burden for their families and the community."

Given this reality, Benedict XVI thanks "those who work in various ways and at various levels to ensure that the spirit of solidarity does not decline", encouraging "the efforts of those who work to ensure that all mentally ill people are given access to necessary forms of care and treatment."

"Unfortunately," the Pope laments, "in many parts of the world the services for these sick people are lacking, insufficient or in a state of decay. The social context does not always accept the mentally ill, with their limitations, and for this reason as well, difficulties are encountered in securing the human and financial resources that are needed. One perceives the need to integrate in a better way the tandem appropriate therapy and a new sensitivity towards disturbance so as to enable workers in this sector, in a more effective way, to help these sick people and their families, who on their own would not be able to take care of their relatives in difficulty in an adequate way."

In reiterating the Church's commitment to stand by those who suffer and those who alleviate others' suffering, the message commends pastoral workers and voluntary associations and organisations "to support—in practical forms and through practical initiatives— those families who have mentally ill people dependent upon them, in relation to whom I hope that the culture of welcoming and sharing will grow and spread, as a result, also, of suitable laws and health-care programs that envisage sufficient resources for their practical application."

"Every Christian, according to his specific task and specific responsibility, is called to make his contribution so that the dignity of these brothers and sisters of ours is recognised, respected and promoted."

Finally, Benedict XVI urges "those tried by sickness" to join "Christ in order to offer their sufferings to the Father, in the certainty that all trials accepted with a spirit of resignation are meritorious and attract divine benevolence on all of humanity." (FP)