(November 8, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI concluded a brief two-day visit to Spain Sunday
night, reminding the nation that he would be back next summer for the World Youth
Day in Madrid. The Pope made a weekend visit to Spain, Saturday and Sunday, to mark
the Jacobean Jubilee Year in the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela and to dedicate
the Church of the Sagrada Familia or Holy Family in Barcelona. The Pope spoke about
his next Spanish visit before flying home form Barcelona’s International Airport.
The next World Youth Day is set to take place Aug. 16-21, next year. In his farewell
address, the Holy Father reviewed his Spanish trip, highlighting the rich patrimony
of Christian faith that has constantly shaped the spirit, customs, art and character
of the people. He urged that this faith find new vigour and inspiration, giving
rise to an attitude of solidarity toward all, especially towards those communities
and nations in greater need. Prior the farewell ceremony at Barcelona’s international
airport, Pope Benedict stopped at "Obra Benefico-Social Nen Deu" (Child-God Social
Charity”, a centre run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts that dates back
to 1892. Initially the charity was meant for children with special needs, but over
the years the charity has grown to include care for children and adults with physical
or mental handicaps, as well as programs for the elderly in need of special care.
Talking to the inmates, their care-givers and relatives, the Pope affirmed that, "for
the Christian, every man and woman is a true sanctuary of God, and should be treated
with the highest respect and affection, above all when they are in need." He encouraged
all those engaged in the charity to provide loving care to the smallest and the most
needy, giving them the very best of themselves. The Pope commended the latest advances
in medicine in improving care for those in greatest need, alongside a growing conviction
of the importance of dedicated and humane treatment for a positive outcome of the
healing process. But he also stressed that “It is indispensable that new technological
developments in the field of medicine never be to the detriment of respect for human
life and dignity, so that those who suffer physical illnesses or handicaps can always
receive that love and attention required to make them feel valued as persons in their
concrete needs." Pope Benedict turned to sick children for prayers so that he may
faithfully fulfil the mission entrusted to him by Christ.