Pope thanks sick and disabled people for their presence at Jubilee

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis greeted the participants of the Jubilee of the Sick and Disabled after the recitation of the Sunday Angelus, he turned his attention to those who live “on the edges” of society and to those affected by leprosy.

Speaking to those present in the in St Peter’s Square for Sunday’s special Jubilee, Pope Francis thanked them for having wanted to be present for the celebration in their state of “illness or disability” and he expressed heartfelt gratitude to their caregivers. 

The Pope also had special words of thanks for all the doctors and medical workers who are present on Sunday at special “Health Centers” set up at the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and who are busy offering specialized medical visits to the hundreds of poor people in Rome who live on the margins of society.    
   
Pope Francis also recalled those who are affected by leprosy and said that within the context of the Jubilee for the Sick, an international Conference took place in Rome this past week dedicated to the care of people affected by Hansen’s disease.

“My gratitude goes to the organizers and participants of this conference and I hope for a fruitful commitment in the fight against this disease” he said.

Pope Francis also recalled two Catholics who have just been beatified.

He spoke of the Blessed Fr. Giacomo Abbondo whom, he said , "lived during the eighteenth century, always loving God and always available for his parishioners".

Fr. Giacomo, the Pope said, was beatified yesterday in the northern Italian town of Vercelli: "we participate in the joy and the thanksgiving of the diocese”.

He also turned his thoughts to the Blessed Sister Carolina Santocanale, founder of the Capuchin Sisters of the Immaculate of Lourdes, who: "became poor among the poor" abandoning the amenities of a comfortable life: