By your situation you call into question those conceptions of life that are solely concerned with satisfaction, appearances, speed and efficiency. It would like to draw closer to you and to your families, knowing that inattentiveness sharpens suffering and loneliness, whereas faith shown in love and generosity gives strength and meaning to life. On this solemn occasion, I would like to ask those who have political responsibilities at every level to work towards ensuring living conditions and opportunities such that your dignity, dear disabled brothers and sisters, is effectively recognized and protected. That is why it is necessary to encourage forms of treatment and rehabilitation which take into account a complete vision of the human person. Today St Paul shows us the way of charity as the high road to meeting the Lord who will come.
Love is once again the decisive criterion, today and always.
In offering himself on the cross for our redemption, Jesus delivered the judgement of salvation and revealed the Father's merciful plan. Every human limitation is ransomed and redeemed in you. Thanks to you, disability is not the last word on life.