Every human person is precious and is endowed with a value that does not depend on what they have or their abilities, but on the simple fact that they are a person: the image of God. Disability or illness may make life more difficult, but does not make it less worthy to be lived to the fullest. Society and politics should do their part to promote a world in which a person with disabilities is viewed ‘as one of us’. Adopting this principle, we realize that a person with disabilities not only receives, but gives as well. Caring for them is not a ‘one-way’ gesture, but an exchange of gifts. We Christians have an extra motive—in Jesus’ example—to care for those with disabilities, though society should be no less involved in assisting them. Love knows how to see another through their eyes or gestures; it anticipates their needs, never gives up in the face of trials, discovers each day the strength to start over, and finds joy in every tiny progress made by the person being helped.
Papal Audience, Dec. 13, 2021
