We publish below the message Pope Francis sent for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed today, Tuesday, December 3rd. This year's theme is "A More Accessible Future."
Message from Pope Francis
On this day, we renew our faithful gaze that sees in every brother and sister the presence of Christ himself—who counts as done unto himself every act of love toward one of the least of these (cf. Matthew 25:40). I wish to recall that promoting the rights to participation now plays a central role in countering discrimination and fostering a culture of encounter and quality of life.
Great progress has been made in medical care and social support for persons with disabilities. Yet today we still witness a culture of disposability. Many of them feel they exist without truly belonging or taking part in their communities. This calls us not only to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and their families, but urges us to make the world more human. We must remove what prevents them from full citizenship—the barriers of prejudice—and foster accessible places and a quality of life that honors every dimension of their humanity.
We must care for and accompany persons with disabilities in every condition of life, making use of present technologies while not absolutizing them. With both strength and tenderness, we must take on situations of marginality. We must walk alongside them and anoint them with dignity for active participation in our civic and ecclesial communities. This is a demanding and often wearisome path. Yet it will increasingly form consciences capable of recognizing each person as unique and irreplaceable.
Let us not forget the many "hidden exiles"—those who live within our homes, our families, our societies (cf. Angelus, December 29, 2013; Address to the Diplomatic Corps, January 12, 2015). I think of people of all ages, especially the elderly, who because of disability are sometimes regarded as a burden, as "inconvenient presences," and risk being cast aside. They are denied concrete work opportunities to participate in building their own future.
We are called to recognize in every person with disability—even those with complex or grave disabilities—a unique contribution to the common good through their singular life story. We must recognize the dignity of each, knowing it does not depend on the function of the five senses (cf. Colloquy with Participants in the CEI Conference on Disability, June 11, 2016). The Gospel teaches us this conversion. We must develop antibodies against a culture that classifies some lives as first-rate and others as second-rate. This is a social sin. We must have the courage to give voice to those discriminated against because of disability. In some nations, regrettably, people with disabilities are still not recognized as persons of equal dignity, as brothers and sisters in humanity.
Good laws and the removal of physical barriers matter, yes. But they are not enough if mentality does not change—if we do not overcome a widespread culture that continues producing inequality, preventing persons with disabilities from active participation in ordinary life.
In recent years, inclusive processes have been set in motion and sustained. Yet this is still insufficient. Prejudice creates not only physical barriers but also limits access to education for all, to employment, and to participation. A person with disability needs more than mere existence to flourish. They need to belong to a community.
I encourage all those who work with persons with disabilities to continue this vital service and commitment. It determines the measure of a nation's civilization. And I pray that every person may feel upon them the paternal gaze of God, who affirms their full dignity and the unconditional worth of their life.
From the Vatican, December 3, 2019
FRANCIS