(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday received the Italian League for the Fight against Tumors, stressing the importance of accompanying families and those on the margins on the path of prevention and cure.
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Thanking those gathered for their commitment, Pope Francis told them that their work was a very useful tool of awareness and training, adding that there was a real need to promote a culture of life, based on attitudes and behaviors.
The League’s commitment to the fight against cancerous tumours is based mainly on three fronts: primary prevention in the form of lifestyle, promotion of a culture of early diagnosis and rehabilitation and social reintegration with attention to the family unit.
In particular the Pope noted, that families need to be accompanied on a path of prevention; A path he said, that involves the various generations.
But he also said, that equally valuable was the collaboration of volunteers from the league who provide assistance to families, so that they can continue their everyday lives.
Another aspect the Holy Father touched on was the pastoral help of the ecclesial community who are called by vocation and mission, he observed to be at the service of those who suffer.
During his discourse the Pope stressed the importance of helping those on the peripheries of society who have to deal with a disease like cancer, saying that every Christian filled with a desire to do good, “is a conscious instrument of grace.”
In conclusion, Pope Francis said that “Taking care”, of the sick was an invaluable wealth for society and was a reminder to the entire civil and ecclesial community of the importance of offering support, comfort and tenderness.
(from Vatican Radio)…