Pope: Nurses are the guardians of
life
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| A wman looks at a mural of a nurse with wings holding a globe on International Nurses Day, Australia (AFP) |
Pope Francis celebrates International Nurses Day on 12 May,
noting that through the tragedy of coronavirus we have rediscovered their
fundamental role, one that makes them “the guardians of life”.
By Francesca Merlo
Pope Francis opened his Message for International Nurses Day
by noting that due to the global health emergency in which we find ourselves,
“we have rediscovered the fundamental importance of the role being played by
nurses and midwives”.
Those who put others first
He said each day, as we face this critical time, we witness
the courage and sacrifices made by healthcare workers and by “nurses in
particular”. They dedicate themselves, “to the point of putting their own
health at risk”, he said, adding that, sadly, this has been demonstrated
through the high number of healthcare workers who have died “as a result of
their faithful service”.
“I pray for them”, said the Pope, “and for all the victims
of this epidemic”. “The Lord knows each of them by name”.
Guardians of life
“Nurses have historically played a central role in health
care”, said the Pope. He noted that this year, on this exact day, we face the
bicentennial of the birth of Florence Nightingale, “the pioneer of modern
nursing”. He described nurses as “guardians and preservers of life” who never
cease to offer “courage, hope and trust” as they administer necessary
treatment.
Dear nurses
“Dear nurses”, said Pope Francis, “moral responsibility is
the hallmark of your professional service”. Nurses are tasked with “continuous
listening”, as they take care of women and men, children and the elderly, “in
every phase of their life, from birth to death”, said the Pope. Before each
unique situation, nurses do not only follow a protocol, but a constant effort
of “discernment and attention”.
Carrying out the mission of Jesus
Nurses are amongst the Saints next door, said the Pope. “You
are an image of the Church as a ‘field hospital’ that continues to carry out
the mission of Jesus Christ, who drew near to and healed people with all kinds
of sickness and who stooped down to wash the feet of his disciples. Thank you
for your service to humanity”, he added.
Healthcare provision
Addressing leaders of nations throughout the world, Pope
Francis noted that in many countries the pandemic has also brought to light a
number of “deficiencies” in the provision of healthcare. He asked that leaders
“invest in healthcare as the primary common good by strengthening its systems
and employing greater numbers of nurses, so as to ensure adequate care to
everyone, with respect for the dignity of each person”.
He expressed the importance of enhancing nurses and
midwives’ professionalism and involvement with the suitable “scientific, human,
psychological and spiritual tools” necessary for their training, “so that they
can carry out their service in full dignity”.
The role of the associations
The Pope noted that in this regard, associations of
healthcare workers play an important role. “In addition to offering
comprehensive training, they support their individual members, making them feel
part of a larger body, never dismayed and alone as they face the ethical,
economic and human challenges that their profession entails”.
A special word to midwives
Addressing a “special word” to midwives, Pope Francis noted
that their work is amongst the most notable professions, “for it is directly
dedicated to the service of life and of motherhood”. Today, too, he added, “the
Holy Father looks at you with gratitude”.
Finally, Pope Francis assured all nurses and midwives of his
prayers for them, their families, and all those for whom they care. Imparting
his Apostolic Blessing to each of them he concluded, saying, “may this annual
celebration highlight the dignity of your work for the benefit of the health of
society as a whole”.
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