Pope Francis meets Disability activist Ileana Argentin

Vatican City, 11 January 2014: Pope Francis met on Saturday disability activist Ileana Argentin in the Vatican. She is known for her commitment, responsibilities and her expertise in the field of disabilities first with the Rome City Council and now with the Italian Parliament.

The MP had sent Pope Francis a personal letter, asking to speak to him about various disability issues. The Pope promptly replied inviting her to a meeting, which took place this morning in the Apostolic Palace and lasted about half an hour, stated the communique.

Argentin focused principally on the importance of supporting the parents of seriously disabled people, who live with great anxiety over what may happen to their children after their own deaths, and over the difficulties which their siblings may encounter in taking up the responsibility of care. The meeting also touched on other issues, such as the need to overcome barriers of accessibility to disabled people in public and Church buildings.

Pope Francis showed great interest in all these issues, and assured his participation and encouragement for all people and campaigns working with increasing dedication to challenge problems relating to disability.

Suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, Argentin holds a degree in political science and law from the Sapienza University of Rome.
Source: VR Sedoc