To the
participants in a convention sponsored by the
of the
Faith offers integral vision of
health care
On
1.I am pleased to welcome you, dear
participants in the International Convention sponsored by the Institute of
Clinical Medicine of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and I
congratulate you for the interesting topic you have chosen to examine: Training
doctors on the threshold of the third millennium: the role of Catholic
universities.
I cordially greet Prof. Adriano Bausola, whom I thank for the courteous words he has just
addressed
to me on behalf of all those present. I also greet Cardinal Pio
Laghi, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic
Education, to whom I express my grateful satisfaction for his support and
guidance of this convention. Lastly, I cordially welcome Prof. Giovanni Gasbarrini from the
2.The training of those who are preparing to work in
health care is a primary concern of contemporary society which is so sensitive
to the “quality of life”. The great transformations that have occurred in
recent decades have profoundly affected the identity and role of the doctor.
The travail of these changes is felt at the level of both ethical standards and
scientific and technical achievements and approaches. Major difficulties and
problems frequently arise which can sometimes result in humiliating retreat and
withdrawal. The causes for concern however must not let us forget that
prospects of great interest for the development of a medicine truly at
humanity’s service are unfolding, precisely in our time.
Future doctors and a sound spirituality
In this regard, we should mention
first of all the cultural broadening of the concept of “health”, which has gone
beyond the narrow context of disease and medical services. In addition, new
forms of local intervention in the area of social medicine have greatly
improved earlier situations of poor health care and can normally promote not
only the person’s physical but also psychological and social well-being.
However, there can be questionable
extensions of the new concept of health with regard to criteria taken from the
sometimes prevailing social practise. This can lead
to approving approaches, behaviour and legislative
measures which are contrary to the individual’s fundamental rights. Relying on
a markedly subjectivist cultural basis, the broadening of the concept of
well-being – positive in itself – thus risks turning against man.
3. In this socio-cultural context, Catholic
universities have a specific task: they are called to
instil a
vigorous spirituality in future doctors, as well as a high level of scientific
and cultural professionalism, enlightened by the word of God and
authoritatively interpreted b the Magisterium. They
will achieve this by adopting precise training procedures, constantly oriented
towards seeking the deep and, I would like to say, interior quality of the
medical profession, in
close connection with the Gospel of life.
In other words, it is necessary to
achieve in it that deep unity of faith and life to which the Second Vatican Council
refers: “The Council exhorts Christians, as citizens of both cities, to perform
their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel. It is a mistake to think
that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come,
we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities… One of the gravest
errors of our time is the dichotomy between the faith which many profess and
the practice of their daily lives” (Gaudium et spes, n. 43).
4.The complete, unified and dynamic view of the
world and of history offered by the Christian faith is an inexhaustible wealth
for understanding the new relations being
established between social
practice and the concept of health, and for reaffirming with new zeal
the validity of that professional ethic which has for centuries been the true
soul of health-care culture.
This is why, in addition to the indispensable
knowledge of Catholic faith and its doctrinal and moral implications, medical
faculties should allot more time and importance to the study of the Church’s
social teaching, especially through the appropriate research and
interdisciplinary studies. It will thus be possible to have more harmonious and
comprehensive training courses available to overcome that marked fragmentation
of scientific knowledge which all too often characterizes current university
syllabuses and gives rise to
numerous difficulties in the person’s overall formation.
Young people who attend Catholic universities
should be helped to acquire an integrated social vision of the medical
profession, so as to be guided scientifically and ethically in the various
situations in which the work. They will thus be able to exercise appropriate discernment of
the requests for medical intervention, making the right decisions and, if
necessary, being spurred even to the point of conscientious objection.
Join forces in the defence
of life
5.But the contribution made by Catholic universities
does not stop here. Before they can have a cultural influence, professional and
ethical values should characterize their teaching activities and interpersonal
relationships in the
context of university life. They must give a living witness in daily life.
Students must also be involved in formulating
new criteria and strategies for social health care. In this way, by sharing
with the whole academic community in the effort of research and practical
planning, they will be prepared to carry out a service of true humanization, and in a world
which will often be fascinated by
utilitarian and pragmatic outlook, they
will be able to be convinced witnesses of a new evangelization.
In this perspective, I express my sincere
appreciation to all those who are actively involved in ministry to higher
education, and I encourage them to continue generously in this ecclesial
service, so that the Gospel may permeate the whole life of the university
community.
6.Dear university teachers, faith in
Christ and the desire to serve life have directed your steps towards a
demanding profession. The appeal I made to all people of goodwill in the
Encyclical Evangelium Vitae is especially valid for you: “What is
urgently called for is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical
effort to activate a great campaign in support of life. All together, we must
build a new culture of life: new, because it will be able to confront and solve
today’s unprecedented problems affecting human life; new, because it will be
adopted with deeper and more dynamic conviction by all Christians; new, because
it will be capable of bringing about a serious and courageous cultural dialogue
among all parties” (n. 95).
I am certain that this international meeting
will serve to strengthen your richly wise and humanitarian dedication to the
true good of the individual, and will be able to give rise to new resolutions
to serve life, in accordance with that multifaceted treasure which the Lord’s
Spirit bestows upon the Church in every age.
With these
sentiments, I invoke upon you and upon your work the heavenly protection of
Mary, Seat of Wisdom and Star of Evangelization, as I cordially impart to you
my Apostolic Blessing.