Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The Church and all those in the Catholic world who are involved in the health sector, seek to look upon sick people as Jesus did. He came before man "in his entirety, to heal him completely, in body, mind and spirit", because "the human person is one whole, and the different dimensions can and must be distinguished but not separated". Benedict XVI illustrated thus, on the World Day of the Sick, the meaning and the manner with which one should approach those who suffer, bringing that charity to which the Pope dedicated his first encyclical; today he also conceded special plenary indulgence to those who dedicate themselves to soothe the suffering around them.

The atmosphere at St Peter's Basilica evoked the spirit of Lourdes, with the lights out, candles lit and the recital of the Ave Maria. The Pope appeared at the end of Mass celebrated by the Cardinal Vicar Camillo Ruini, to greet those present, especially the "dear sick people", as well as those who followed the ceremony in the basilica on radio and television, and "those who do not have this opportunity, but who are united with us with the most profound ties of the spirit, in faith and prayer".

Recalling that this year's Day is dedicated in a special way to those who suffer from mental illness, Benedict XVI said that "the Church always seeks to consider people as such, and this concept qualifies Catholic health institutions, as it does the health workers employed therein. Right now, I think especially of families who have a member who is mentally ill, and who experience the strain and diverse problems this brings. We feel close to all these situations, with prayer and with countless initiatives undertaken by the Church community all around the world, especially where laws are lacking, where public structures are not sufficient and where natural calamities and alas, wars and armed conflict lead to severe mental trauma in people. These are forms of poverty which draw the charity of Christ, the Good Samaritan, and of the Church, indissolubly linked with him in the service of suffering humanity."

Turning to today's liturgical memory of the Madonna of Lourdes, he said "the most Holy Mary came to remind the modern world, which was in danger of forgetting, about the primacy of divine Grace, stronger than sin and death. And the place of her apparition, the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, has become an attraction for all the People of God, especially for those who feel oppressed and who suffer in body and spirit. 'Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,' (Mt 11:28), Jesus said. In Lourdes, He continues to repeat this invitation, with the maternal mediation of Mary, to all those who rush there with faith".