Pope Benedict XVI Addresses the Delegation of Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care

(November 20, 2009) Many, in fact, are the delicate issues regarding deaf people, which call for careful study in recent days. This is really complex subject, ranging from the sociological teaching to medical and psychological area and then to the ethical, spiritual and pastoral, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was addressing the members of the delegation of Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, in Rome on 20^th of November. The Council is holding a three day conference in Rome which began on 19^th of November with the theme: Ephphatha! The deaf person in the life of the Church. The Pontiff reminded the delegation that the word Ephphata has its reference to Mark’s gospel where Jesus takes the deaf and dumb man aside and heals him. The acts of Jesus are filled with love and sympathy for the man. He places his fingers in his ears and touches his tongue with spit in order to heal him and restores him to his family. By his action, explained the Holy Father Jesus heals not only a physical deafness but indicates that there is another form of deafness which must be cured, namely, the deafness of the spirit which is audible to us in the voice of God and neighbour, and heard in the cry of the poor and suffering. Pope Benedict then appreciated the initiatives taken by institutions and associations, both in the Church and in the civil, inspired by a genuine and generous solidarity, which contributed to an improvement in the lives of many deaf people. He also appealed to the political and civil authorities and international bodies, to provide the necessary support to promote with due respect the dignity and rights of deaf people, encouraging them with adequate aid and provide full social integration. The Church said the Pontiff, following the teaching and example of her divine Founder, continues to accompany the various pastoral and social initiatives to benefit them with love and solidarity.