Pope calls on Christians to restore dignity to sick, imprisoned

Works of mercy are ancient and remain relevant, says pontiff.

Vatican City:  Visiting the sick and the imprisoned are works of mercy that not only benefit the suffering and the abandoned, but benefit the visitors who are enriched by being with those who suffer like Christ, Pope Francis said.

While the works of mercy are ancient, they still are relevant today for those who are deprived of freedom and "suffer one of the greatest hardships of human beings," the pope said Nov. 9 at his weekly general audience reported CNS.

When the living conditions "often devoid of humanity" in which many prisoners are housed are added to the equation, "then it is indeed the case that a Christian should feel the need to do everything to restore their dignity," he said.

Continuing his series of talks on the works of mercy, the pope began with visiting the sick and highlighted Jesus' ministry as an example of the Christian duty to be close to them, especially since "they often feel alone."

Simple gestures such as smiling, caressing or shaking their hand, he added, can go a long way for those who feel abandoned.

"Do not leave sick people alone!" he said. "Let us not prevent them from finding relief and for us to be enriched by the closeness to suffering. Hospitals are the true 'cathedrals of suffering,' where, nonetheless, the strength of charity that supports and proves compassion becomes evident."

Source: UCAN