Pope Francis meets disability campaigner Ileana Argentin
(Vatican Radio) The Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Jesuit Father Federico
Lombardi, has released a statement about the Pope’s audience with Italian disability
campaigner Ileana Argentin. Please find the full statement below, in translation from
the original Italian.
“On Saturday morning the Holy Father received in audience
Ileana Argentin, who is well-known for her efforts, achievements and expertise as
a disability campaigner 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.
Ms. 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.”