Like the Good Samaritan, you are close to and serve the sick and suffering, respecting — first of all, and
always — their dignity as persons, and, with the eyes of faith, recognizing the presence of the suffering
Jesus in them. Guard against the indifference which can result from habit; every day renew your
commitment to being brothers and sisters to all, with no discrimination; to the irreplaceable contribution of
your professionalism, joined to the adequacy of facilities, add the "heart", which alone can give them
humanity.

Finally, I appeal to you who are leaders of nations, that you may consider health to be a priority
problem on a world level.

One of the aims of the World Day of the Sick is to carry out a vast effort to stimulate awareness of the
serious and inescapable problems concerning health policy and care. About two-thirds of mankind still
lack essential medical care, while the resources employed in this sector are too often insufficient. May the
World Health Organization's programme - "Health for All by the Year 2000" - which might appear to be a
mirage, instead prompt constructive rivalry in effective solidarity. The extraordinary progress of science
and technology and the development of the mass media contribute to making this hope ever firmer.

Message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II
World Day of the Sick 1994