Exploring the Importance of Palliative Care: A Symposium
Join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Pontifical Academy for Life at the upcoming Symposium on Palliative Care. This event aims to shed light on the significance of palliative care and to advocate for the dignity of every individual during times of illness and at the end of life.
By: Christopher Wells
The Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life has teamed up with the Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops to present “Towards a Narrative of Hope: An International Interfaith Symposium on Palliative Care.”
Promoting Human Dignity in Palliative Care
“This Interfaith Symposium serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of palliative care, particularly in upholding the dignity of individuals during times of illness and towards the end of life,” states Bishop William McGrattan, president of the Canadian Bishops’ Conference, in a video introduction to the Symposium.
Palliative care is recognized in the Catechism as a form of disinterested charity that should be encouraged, especially for those facing life-threatening illness or injury.
The Symposium will kick off with Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia’s opening remarks and an address by Dr. Moira McQueen on “Hope and the Concrete Reality of Palliative Care.”
Presenting Tangible Solutions for the Future
Medical experts, including doctors, palliative care nurses, and ethicists from different faiths around the globe, will delve into topics such as the global landscape of palliative care, the role of faith and civil society, and palliative care as a form of testimony.
“Our main goal is to translate insights and discussions into actionable plans for the future, alongside professionals from theological, ethical, medical, and pastoral backgrounds,” Bishop McGrattan emphasizes.
Upholding the Sanctity of Human Life
Bishop McGrattan asserts, “We hold firm in our belief in the sanctity and dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.”
Providing palliative care not only offers medical, physical, and emotional support but also crucial spiritual support. It serves as a necessary response in light of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
The Palliative Care Symposium will commence in Toronto, Canada, on Tuesday night, 21 May, and conclude on Thursday, 23 May.
Bishop William McGrattan – Introduction to the Palliative Care Symposium
