DISCORSO DI SUA SANTITÀ PIO PP. XII
AD UN GRUPPO DI PARTECIPANTI AL IV CONGRESSO DELL'«INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS»*

 Venerdì, 12 giugno 1953

In an era when industry and the mechanical arts can register a progress that commands the attention of the world, it is truly gratifying for Us to note that the science of medicine and in particular surgery is far from lagging behind. It is to that science that all mankind is beholden for what is precious quite beyond material comfort and convenience, and We are sure the Congress in which you have been participating will mark yet another step forward.

Yours is a noble profession; your responsibility to society is grave ; grave too your responsibility to God, the Creator and supreme Master of the life that is in your hands. The spirit of prompt and self-sacrificing devotion to the interests of others is a characteristic of your profession; it is important that you and they never lose sight of the fact that eternal interests come before those of this passing time and that the fundamental principles of Ethics and Religion must at all times guide and govern medical practice.

We are very happy to greet you and to offer Our cordial good wishes for your success. We shall offer a fervent prayer that God, the divine Psysician, may reward you for your charity and that His law may illumine the path along which you progress.

*Discorsi e Radiomessaggi di Sua Santità Pio XII, XV,
 Quindicesimo anno di Pontificato, 2 marzo 1953 - 1° marzo 1954, p. 211
 Tipografia Poliglotta Vaticana