Pontifical Academy for Life: Palliative care is a collective responsibility

By Christopher Wells and Linda Bordoni 

Palliative care transcends a traditional medical approach focused solely on curing illness and encompasses a holistic method that addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs.

Shining the light on this comprehensive care approach, Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro said it is the only way to ensure that the inalienable dignity of every person is respected in every moment of their life.

"Palliative care is not just about managing pain and symptoms," the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life said speaking to Vatican Radio’s Christopher Wells, "It's about recognizing the whole person and providing care that respects their dignity and humanity.”

The Symposium, entitled “Towards a Narrative of Hope: An International Interfaith Symposium on Palliative Care” wraps up in Toronto, Canada on Thursday 23 May. It was organized by the Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy for Life.

The PallLife Project 

More than seven years ago, the Pontifical Academy for Life launched the “PallLife” project to highlight the importance of palliative care worldwide. Monsignor Pegoraro explained that this initiative produced a “White Book” advocating for palliative care, aiming to sustain its development and accessibility globally.

Collaborations with various entities, such as the Canadian Bishops' Conference and with Bishop Noel Simard, he continued, have fostered cultural and social support for palliative care, reflecting a much-needed synergy between ecclesiastical and medical efforts.

Holistic care

Highlighting the need for a holistic perspective on palliative care, Monsignor Pegoraro said "Palliative care is not just about managing pain and symptoms (…), It's about recognizing the whole person and providing care that respects their dignity and humanity. This approach aligns deeply with the core values of compassion and respect for human life."

Human Dignity

The Chancellor pointed to the importance of prioritizing the patient's quality of life, saying that "In the face of terminal illness, the ethical response is to provide comfort, alleviate suffering, and support the patient and their family."

"This approach resonates with the teachings of the Church, which advocates for the sanctity of life and the compassionate care of those who are vulnerable," he said.

Education and advocacy

In view of improving palliative care in the years to come, Monsignor Pegoraro called for increased education and advocacy to promote palliative care worldwide.

He said there is a need for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and society at large to understand the value of palliative care and integrate it into healthcare systems effectively.

"Education is crucial. We need to train more healthcare providers in palliative care and raise awareness about its benefits," he said. "Moreover, advocating for policies that support palliative care services is essential to ensure that everyone has access to this compassionate care."

Symposium goals 

The Toronto symposium aimed to foster a multidisciplinary and interactive network for palliative care. By bringing together bishops, doctors, and palliative care experts, the event sought to create a stable cooperation framework, enhancing access to palliative care in Canada and providing a model for all.

"This opportunity is very interesting because we have people from across Canada sharing their experiences and expertise," the monsignor noted. "Our goal is to define a framework for future activities to improve access to palliative care, inform the public, and support initiatives that create hope for many ill people and their families."

International and interfaith dimensions

The gathering also emphasized the importance of an international and interfaith approach to palliative care.

Monsignor Pegoraro highlighted the benefits of sharing knowledge and experiences across different cultural and social contexts and observed that the discussions on preventing euthanasia and assisted suicide, present in various countries' legislations, underscore the need for a stronger palliative care culture and awareness.

"Understanding the debates and initiatives in palliative care globally is crucial," he said. "This international approach allows us to learn from different contexts and promote a universal perspective on palliative care."

The Role of the Church

The Church, the Chancellor noted has a crucial role in advocating for and supporting palliative care and The Pontifical Academy for Life is dedicated to promoting palliative care as an essential aspect of healthcare.

"Our faith teaches us to care for the sick and dying with love and compassion," he added. "The Church's role is to support palliative care initiatives, provide spiritual care, and be a voice for those who are suffering," and the Symposium was a call to action.