In his message for International Nurse Day, Francis calls on world leaders “to invest in health care as the primary common good, by strengthening its systems and employing greater numbers of nurses, so as to ensure adequate care to everyone, with respect for the dignity of each person.”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis issued a message today for International Nurses Day. In it he refers to nurses as “saints next door” in the “image of the Church as a ‘field hospital’.”
In his address, the pontiff appeals to the “leaders of nations throughout the world to invest in health care as the primary common good, by strengthening its systems and employing greater numbers of nurses, so as to ensure adequate care to everyone, with respect for the dignity of each person.”
“At this critical moment,” he goes on to say, “marked by the global health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have rediscovered the fundamental importance of the role being played by nurses and midwives.
Indeed, “Every day we witness the testimony of courage and sacrifice of healthcare workers, and nurses in particular, who, with professionalism, self-sacrifice, and a sense of responsibility and love for neighbour, assist people affected by the virus, even to the point of putting their own health at risk. Sadly, this can be seen in the high number of healthcare workers who have died as a result of their faithful service.”
Speaking directly to nurses, Francis said that “moral responsibility is the hallmark of your professional service, which cannot be reduced to scientific-technical knowledge alone, but must be constantly inspired by your human and humanizing relationship with the sick.”
“You – and here I think too of midwives – are close to people at crucial moments in their existence – birth and death, disease and healing – helping them deal with traumatic situations. Sometimes you find yourself at their side as they are dying, giving comfort and relief in their last moments.”