Holy See Advocates for Greater Inclusion and Dignity for Those with Down Syndrome
Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN in Geneva, recently emphasized that individuals with Down syndrome carry the same sacred value and dignity as everyone else. During his address, he made it clear that "discriminatory and eugenic practices linked to prenatal screening and the selective termination of pregnancies targeting babies diagnosed with Down syndrome must be firmly rejected."
Reporting for the event, Deborah Castellano Lubov captured the Archbishop’s core message:
"Persons with Down syndrome are more than a diagnosis, more than a condition, and certainly more than the limits others may imagine. All of them, like all of us, possess the same inherent dignity and sacred value, intentionally and lovingly imprinted by the Creator from the very first moment of conception."
Rights and Real Inclusion
Speaking at a Jérôme Lejeune Foundation event for World Down Syndrome Day 2026 (themed "From Loneliness to Inclusion"), the Archbishop argued that those with Down syndrome are "like everyone else, hold the same fundamental rights."
He challenged the global community to rethink what it means to be inclusive, noting that it is not "merely a matter of providing services or accommodations," but rather a necessity of "recognizing persons with Down syndrome as full members of our communities."
A Call to Reject Discrimination
The Apostolic Nuncio urged a continued defense of human life at every stage, reiterating that "discriminatory and eugenic practices linked to prenatal screening and the selective termination of pregnancies targeting babies diagnosed with Down syndrome must be firmly rejected." While calling for this rejection, he also offered gratitude to the global professionals dedicated to supporting these individuals and their families.
The Power of Heartfelt Care
Archbishop Balestrero concluded by reminding the audience that a person’s worth isn’t found in their utility or achievements, but in their humanity. He warned that even the most efficient support systems fail if they lack empathy:
"A system of care and support may be operationally perfect, but if it is heartless, it becomes cold and impersonal."
"May our collective efforts continue to build a culture of life and humanity where every person with Down syndrome is recognized as unique and unrepeatable, and welcomed with equal dignity and respect."
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-03/archbishop-ettore-balestrero-world-down-syndrome-day.html
Image Vatican Media File photo
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