On 28 and 29 April the Jubilee celebration with associations and organisations that support the dignity of people with disabilities will take place.
With a spirit of social inclusion, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (DSSUI) stands as a promoter of the dignity of the individual. The Jubilee of People with Disabilities is a moment to dedicate reflection and attention to the active participation of the most vulnerable in society. An event that not only celebrates faith but an opportunity to raise awareness in favour of the dignity and respectability of the human being. It aims to eliminate the marginalisation of people with disabilities and to empower them fully to live out their faith and identity within the civil and ecclesial community.
DSSUI has carried out and continues to carry out concrete activities to create a space for dialogue with the aim of ‘giving a voice to those who are discriminated against because of their disability status’. In this regard, a series of Consultations on Disability in Sub-Saharan Africa were conducted in March 2024, in telematic mode, entitled: ‘Integral Human Development of Persons with Disabilities’. A journey of inclusion that started by listening to the local African Church, which was able to offer pastoral orientations, based on the fundamental principles of the Church, to respond to the challenges that disability poses in every world context. The consultations were attended by the Local Church of 30 Sub-Saharan African countries, including representatives of Episcopal Conferences, related commissions, Caritas and other institutions such as religious orders or Catholic organisations.
A further noteworthy initiative is the participation of H.Em. Card. Fabio Baggio, Undersecretary of the DSSUI at the conference ‘Paralympic sport as a generator of hope’, to be held on 28 April at the LUMSA. Organised by the John Paul II Foundation, together with the DSSUI, the Dicastery for Culture and Education will be among the promoters.