Pope Leo XIV Tells Health Conference Dignity "belongs to every human being simply by virtue of existing, of having been willed, created and loved by God”

Pope Leo XIV a special message to everyone taking part in a Conference on Health, dedicated to “A holistic approach to health in the Caritas Confederation,” taking place in Castel Gandolfo on June 23-25. Sent on Wednesday, the Pope’s message was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
MESSAGE OF POPE LEO XIV
SIGNED BY THE CARDINAL SECRETARY OF STATE, PIETRO PAROLIN,
FOR THE CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS HEALTH GATHERING
[Castel Gandolfo, 23-25 June 2026]
_________________

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends cordial greetings and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those attending the Conference on Health, focused on “A holistic approach to health in the Caritas Confederation.” He prays that the deliberations will contribute to a new impetus for cooperation and solidarity in your efforts to improve healthcare to the sick based on Gospel values. Indeed, Scripture often portrays Jesus as the Divine Physician, who brings salus to the infirm by healing a wide range of mental, physical and spiritual afflictions that caused them to suffer pain, humiliation and isolation. His Holiness recently affirmed in Magnifica Humanitas that the ontological “dignity that belongs to every human being simply by virtue of existing, of having been willed, created and loved by God” (52), therefore transcends his or her individual circumstances. By restoring their health, Jesus reveals this inherent dignity (cf. Gen 1:26) and thus points to our eternal salvation in God. The Holy Father encourages you to continue your contribution to the mission of the Church as she proclaims the Kingdom of God through her presence among the sick, demonstrating that salvation is not an abstract idea but begins with the concrete action of healing the wounds of those who suffer (cf. Dilexi Te, 52). In this way, he trusts that your work will always be directed to bringing God’s compassion and goodness to those most in need. With these sentiments, Pope Leo XIV willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, strength and joy in the Lord upon all of you and your collaborators.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
Source - https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/06/24/0549/01042.html