The Collegiate Medical Organization of Spain (WTO) has publicly expressed its regret for the death of Pope Francis, whom he has recalled not only as a spiritual leader and tireless defender of the most vulnerable, but also as a figure deeply close to the medical profession.
His message of social justice, humanity and compassion left an indelible mark in the health field, especially for his words addressed to doctors in 2016 during a private audience in the Vatican.
A historical audience: “Compassion is the soul of medicine”
On that occasion, Pope Francis received in private audience representatives of the WTO and the Latin American American Confederation of Medical Organizations (Confemel). During the meeting, held in the Vatican Clementine room, the Pontiff addressed health professionals with a deeply human message:
“The identity and commitment of the doctor does not support only science and technical competence, but, mainly, in their compassionate and merciful attitude towards those who suffer in the body and spirit.”
Francisco underlined the essential role of compassion in medical exercise, describing it as “the very soul of medicine”, and warned about the temptation to yield to exclusively technical or economic criteria, remembering that attention to the person must always be in the center of medical practice.
“Put more heart in those hands”
One of the most emotional moments of the meeting was when the Pope expressed his desire to “bless the hands of doctors” as a gesture of recognition of his work. Remembering the teaching of San Camilo de Lellis, he urged those present to: “Put more heart in those hands.”
A message that was received with deep respect for the professionals present and that has been remembered over the years as one of the most moving interventions of the Pope aimed at the world of health.
Committed to the most vulnerable
The WTO has also highlighted the firm commitment of the Pope with the most disadvantaged, his struggle for equity and his defense of human dignity, values deeply shared by the medical community. In his words, Francisco knew how to take care of the act of clinical: it is also to accompany, relieve and dignify.
A message that is still alive
In these moments of mourning, the collegial medical organization invites all health professionals to remember and honor the legacy of Pope Francis, keeping his message of compassion, mercy and respect for life alive. His figure will be recorded in collective memory as a reference of humanity and closeness, not only in the spiritual field, but also in the sanitary.