By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis has urged Christians to pray for increased attention and inclusion of people with disabilities in society. In the Pope’s video released on Tuesday, Pope Francis emphasized the vulnerability of individuals with disabilities, noting that they often face rejection due to ignorance or prejudice, leading to their marginalization.
The Pope called on civil institutions to implement projects that provide access to education, employment, and spaces where individuals with disabilities can express their creativity. He emphasized the need for a change in mentality, encouraging society to recognize and appreciate the abilities and talents of those who are differently abled.
In addition to societal inclusion, Pope Francis stressed the importance of fostering a sense of belonging within the Church. He called on local churches to work towards increased access and involvement, creating completely accessible parishes that go beyond eliminating physical barriers. The Pope emphasized the shift from talking about ‘them’ to talking about ‘us’ in order to promote a more inclusive community.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, responsible for preparing the monthly intention, highlighted that December 3 is the International Day of People with Disabilities. The accompanying press release emphasized the visual examples in The Pope Video, showcasing individuals with disabilities fully integrated into society, participating in activities such as working in restaurants, celebrating Mass, or training for paralympic athletic competitions.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, stated that the December prayer intention encourages the recognition of “the mystery each person is.” He urged societies to commit to a common and concrete effort to respect the dignity of every individual, following the example set by Jesus in appreciating the beauty and promise in each person, including those with various forms of fragility.
