Pope Francis prays for the terminally ill in the month of February

The Holy Father Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of February is for the terminally ill.

“When some people talk about terminal illnesses, there are two words they often confuse: incurable and un-carable. But they are not the same,” the pope said in a video released January 30.

“Even when little chance for a cure exists, every sick person has the right to medical, psychological, spiritual, and human assistance,” Pope Francis said, adding: “Sometimes they can’t talk; sometimes we think they don’t recognize us. But if we take them by the hand, we know they are relating with us.”

The Holy Father pointed out that “healing is not always possible” but that, however, “we can always care for the sick person, caress them.” He quoted St. John Paul II, who used to say: “Cure if it is possible; always take care.”

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“And this is where palliative care comes in. It guarantees the patient not only medical attention but also human assistance and closeness,” the pope said.

Pope Francis stressed that “families should not be left alone in these difficult moments.”

“Their role is decisive,” he said. “They need access to adequate means so as to provide appropriate physical, spiritual, and social support.”

The pope concluded with a prayer: “Let us pray that the terminally ill and their families always receive the necessary medical and human care and assistance.”