Addressing the G7 on inclusion and disability, the Pope said we are all equal even if we are different.
Vatican News
On inclusion and disability, Pope Francis urged G-7 world leaders to prioritize the dignity, inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities, emphasizing justice, universal access and solidarity.
Addressing ministers at the G7 Summit on Inclusion and Disability at the Vatican on October 17, Pope Francis expressed his deep gratitude for their commitment to building a more just and inclusive world.
The meeting followed a three-day summit in Italy’s central Umbria region, which concluded with the signing of the Solfaniano Charter on Wednesday. The document expresses a strong commitment to the integration of people with disabilities, establishing eight priorities to guarantee their full participation in social, political and economic life.
The Pope said these principles are not only deeply linked to the Church’s vision of human dignity, but are also important in shaping a society that values each person as part of the universal human family.
The Pope told an anecdote: “Once, talking about people with disabilities, someone told me: ‘Be careful, because we all have some type of disability.’ It is true in all of us.”
global priority
In his speech, Pope Francis urged the international community to prioritize the inclusion of people with disabilities and reminded everyone present that their equal dignity must be universally recognized.
“Building an inclusive world requires not only adapting structures, but also a change in mentality,” he said. He called for universal access to ensure that all physical, social, cultural and religious barriers are removed, so that individuals can develop their talents and contribute to the common good at any stage of life.
for justice
Pope Francis then emphasized that providing services and facilities to people with disabilities is not simply an act of social assistance, but a matter of justice. He said that it is the responsibility of all nations to create inclusive communities that promote the comprehensive development of each individual. He reiterated the essential importance of providing opportunities for decent employment and participation in cultural and sporting events, warning that excluding anyone from these spaces “is a serious form of discrimination.”
technology as a tool
Pope Francis also highlighted the role of technology in advancing inclusion, stressing that it must be accessible to all. However, he warned that technology must be used wisely, to reduce inequalities rather than deepen them. “Technology must be oriented towards the common good,” he said, and “put at the service of a culture of interaction and solidarity.”
times of crisis
At the end of his speech, Pope Francis highlighted the urgent humanitarian crises that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive emergency prevention and response system adapted to the specific needs of people with disabilities, to ensure that no one is left behind in times of conflict or natural disaster.
Finally, reflecting on the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis encouraged G7 participants to continue their work in a spirit of hope and commitment. And he concluded: “Together we can build a world in which the dignity of each person is fully recognized and respected.”
