Pope Francis recently addressed a group from the Department of Dentistry of the University of Naples Federico II, stressing that medicine must prioritize protecting nascent and suffering life. He warned against the influence of market interests and ideologies, emphasizing that human dignity must be respected and protected.
The Pope highlighted the importance of classical wisdom in medicine, which must be guided by deontology and a commitment to human dignity. He emphasized that medicine should never discard any life, and that doctors must cure and care for their patients.
Pope Francis proposed a three-step program for medical professionals: do no harm, care, and heal. He explained that “do no harm” is a fundamental principle that requires medical professionals to prioritize the well-being of their patients. He also emphasized the importance of caring, which involves treating patients with closeness, compassion, and tenderness.
The Pope drew on his own experiences, recalling how the care and compassion of nurses helped him recover from an illness when he was 20 years old. He emphasized that human tenderness and care are essential components of medical practice, and that they can have a profound impact on patients’ lives.
Ultimately, Pope Francis emphasized that a commitment to human dignity and the protection of life must guide medicine. He encouraged medical professionals to prioritize the well-being of their patients and to treat them with care, compassion, and tenderness.