Church a willing partner in combating HIV/AIDS in India, says Apostolic Nuncio .

(Fri.13 April, 2007):- “The Church in India is a willing partner in combating and containing the spread of HIV/AIDS”, declared the Apostolic Nuncio in India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana. He made the remarks Wed. April 12, at the beginning of an International Consultation in New Delhi on the ‘Church’s concerted response to HIV/AIDS in India’. The two-day international consultation and workshop was organized by the Commission for Health-Care of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), in collaboration with UNAIDS and Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB). In his inaugural address, the Nuncio reinforced the Catholic Church’s commitment and said, “The Church is fully committed to, and actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by promoting a compassionate society, where the true value and dignity of all is assured.” Citing the example of Jesus Christ, Archbishop Quintana asserted that the Church has always paid great attention for the service toward the sick and suffering, as an integral part of her mission and puts maximum possible resources in this concern. “In her ministry of health care, the Church insists on the principle of equality, irrespective of socio-religious and economic status, and respects and holds firmly her Christian principles”, declared the Apostolic Nuncio. Quoting late Pope John Paul II he said, “Those suffering from HIV/AIDS, must be provided with full care and shown full respect, given every possible moral, spiritual assistance and be treated in a way worthy of Christ himself.”
Talking about medical advancements he said - “The tremendous progress in medical science and skills in recent times, places a supreme responsibility on us all with regard to God’s gift of life and health, which remains a gift in all its stages and conditions.” Cautioning against every possible violation” in medical progress, the Nuncio affirmed, “We must be vigilant regarding human life and avoid all technological and scientific means, which are not in accordance with morality and contrary to authentic values of life, love and sexuality.”