On February 11, 2025, the Catholic Church worldwide will observe the World Day of the Sick. This day serves as a reminder of the dignity and rights of the sick and suffering and calls for solidarity and compassion. This year, the special message of the Order of Malta focuses particularly on Roma communities, who, in many parts of the world, face health challenges, social exclusion, and limited access to medical care.<\/p>\n
In his message for this year, published on February 3, Pope Francis emphasizes the immeasurable significance of those who care for the sick. “Doctors, nurses, and caregivers are angels of hope,” writes the Pontiff. Their work goes beyond medical treatment\u2014they create spaces of sharing and mutual enrichment. In these moments of suffering, people not only learn to hope but also come to recognize the deeper dimension of human connection. A kind smile, a comforting word, or a grateful glance from a patient are signs of these “grace-filled encounters” that resonate in the heart.<\/p>\n
Health is a fundamental human right that belongs to all people, regardless of origin, social status, or ethnicity. However, Roma communities often face significant barriers to accessing medical care. Discrimination, economic hardship, and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to receive medical treatment and preventive care.<\/p>\n
The Order of Malta considers it its mission to advocate for fairer and more inclusive healthcare. For many years, the Order has been actively engaged in various projects supporting Roma communities. Mobile clinics, emergency medical assistance, prevention programs, and health education initiatives are essential components of these efforts. Particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas, the Order often provides the only medical care available to many Roma families. Through close cooperation with local partners, volunteers, and church organizations, the goal is to achieve a sustainable improvement in healthcare.<\/p>\n
On the World Day of the Sick 2025, we call on politics, society, and the Church to strengthen their commitment to the health rights of the Roma. Medical care must not be a privilege but must be made accessible to all. We urge governments, international organizations, and civil society to take targeted measures to improve healthcare for Roma communities and to reduce existing inequalities.<\/p>\n
Pope John Paul II established the World Day of the Sick to bring the sick and their caregivers into the focus of the Church and society. In the spirit of Christian charity, we pray for all who suffer from illness and for those who care for them. May this day be a sign of hope and encouragement\u2014for Roma communities and for all the sick worldwide.<\/p>\n
The Order of Malta remains true to its mission: to serve those in need and to strive for a more just world. Together, we can ensure that no one is left alone in their suffering.<\/p>\n","news_gallery":"no","news_excerpt":"On February 11, 2025, the Catholic Church worldwide will observe the World Day of the Sick. This day serves as a reminder of the dignity and rights of the sick and suffering and calls for solidarity and compassion. This year, the special message of the Order of Malta focuses particularly on Roma communities, who, in many parts of the world, face health challenges, social exclusion, and limited access to medical care."},"news_categories":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/romapeople.orderofmalta.int\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/notizie\/3146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/romapeople.orderofmalta.int\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/notizie"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/romapeople.orderofmalta.int\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/romapeople.orderofmalta.int\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/notizie\/3146\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/romapeople.orderofmalta.int\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}