In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
 

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome!

I greet you warmly, and thank you for this meeting, as well as for everything you do to support, assist and care for those suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

You are an association that brings together people who experience this illness, their relatives and their caregivers, in a therapeutic alliance of deep closeness and solidarity that truly embodies the very attitude of Jesus towards those who suffer (cf. Lk 4:38-39).

The first contribution of this “pact”, which I would like to emphasize, is that of those who are affected by ALS, and who every day, with commitment, faith and courage, bear witness that the goodness and value of life are greater than illness and that, on the contrary, the very challenges that this involves can be faced together, transforming them into special and privileged opportunities to give and receive love. Thank you for this! You, as prophets, teach everyone the true value of life, and our world is in such need of this message!

The Association also supports scientific research, training, information and care, whilst playing an important role in representation and advocacy, and raising awareness amongst individuals, communities and institutions – including at the civil society level – wherever it is necessary to protect the rights of those in need of help.

Another aspect of your working approach is proximity, starting with geographical proximity, which means you are present in the homes of those who are suffering. This too is very important, because healthcare, as well as organization and expertise, requires a presence – including a physical one – for the good of the person in all their dimensions: biological, psychological and spiritual. The Church deeply values this “being close”: standing by people where they are, in their homes, to offer not only practical support but also spiritual accompaniment, paying particular attention to the questions of meaning that suffering raises and which cannot go unheard.

In the various situations of life, especially difficult ones, no-one should ever be left alone, and voluntary work, by uniting you in selfless service, powerfully brings this value to life, fostering solidarity and respect, and countering the culture of waste and death with acts of care (cf. Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, 24 November 2013, 53).

Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus, the Son of God made man, who passed through cities and villages “healing every disease and every infirmity” (Mt 9:35), chose in turn to live out His Passion, His Via Crucis, as a time of trial, of physical pain and spiritual suffering. He stood in solidarity with us to the very end, yet showed us, through His cross and resurrection, that pain and suffering cannot stop love or nullify the power of God (cf. Phil 2:5–11). For this reason, all of us, children of his Pasch, are the people of hope, who do not give up in the face of difficulties, but united and in solidarity, with God’s help, continue to walk on, without ever giving up. Without giving up. And for this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage: do not give up, but keep going with this courage and hope in the Lord.

Thank you for what you do! I accompany you with my prayers and, entrusting you to Mary and to the heroic saints of charity, I bless you cordially. 

____________________________

Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 9 may 2026