With people worldwide, we mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Pope Francis. Francis often spoke about people with disabilities, championing their rights and inclusion in society.
Of his many quotes, this one from last year speaks to us today:
“Persons with disabilities are fully human subjects, with rights and duties, and every human being has the right to live with dignity and to develop integrally. Even if they are unproductive, or were born with or develop limitations, this does not detract from their great dignity as human persons, a dignity based not on circumstances but on the intrinsic worth of their being. Unless this basic principle is upheld, there will be no future either for fraternity or for the survival of humanity.”
In 2016, he made a surprise visit to L’Arche Il Chicco, just outside of Rome, where he ate with residents, observed their work, and prayed with them. The pictures on this page capture a glimpse of the joy he brought with him that day!
