Pope Francis calls for global equality in healthcare

By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis sent a message on Friday to participants at the International Conference on "The Declaration of Helsinki: Research in Resource-Poor Settings."

The conference, jointly organised by the World Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and the Pontifical Academy for Life, explores the critical theme of ethical considerations in clinical research within low-income countries.

Pope Francis opened his message by acknowledging the fundamental issue of freedom and informed consent highlighted in the Declaration of Helsinki.

"The theme you are addressing," he said, "is both important and timely, for the Declaration itself highlights the fundamental issue of freedom and informed consent with regard to clinical research."

The Holy Father noted the evolution of the Declaration since its implementation in 1964, emphasising its pivotal role in transitioning from “research on patients to research with patients.”

The role of the sick person

Pope Francis went on to stress the need to continually safeguard and promote the central role of the sick person.

He noted that "while the asymmetry present in the therapeutic relationship is all too apparent, the central role that the sick person should have has not yet become a reality."

Vulnerabilities and inequalities

Expressing concern about the vulnerabilities inherent in clinical research in low-income countries, Pope Francis highlighted the ethical challenges, especially in protecting those who are most at risk.

"On the international level, we are witnessing many injustices that push poor countries into a disadvantaged position, in terms of access to and use of available resources, leaving them at the mercy of wealthier countries and industrial entities that appear insensitive to those who cannot assert themselves in economic terms, even when fundamental needs and rights are at stake," he said.

Likewise, the Pope stressed the importance of preventing inequalities in the field of healthcare and clinical research, cautioning against subordinating care to market and technological mentalities.

Social friendship

Finally, Pope Francis called for all those attending to adopt a perspective of social friendship and universal fraternity.

"We need to foster a way of thinking about the international community that effectively serves the human family, turning to a perspective of social friendship and universal fraternity."