6 JAN 2026 DOCUMENT “PASTORAL CARE IN HEALTHCARE: A PRIORITY FOR THE CHURCH TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE – REFLECTIONS AND PROPOSALS OF THE FEAMC PRESIDENCY” PUBLISHED
The Presidency of the European Federation of Catholic Medical Societies (FEAMC) published a document on the feast of the Epiphany entitled ” Pastoral Care in Health: A Priority for the Church Today and in the Future – Reflections and Proposals of the Presidency of the FEAMC”. The document was prepared on the occasion of the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals to be held on 7 and 8 January 2026 in the Vatican, and aims to provide a thoughtful and constructive contribution to the current ecclesial discernment on the challenges and possibilities of pastoral care in the field of health.
Starting from a holistic Christian understanding of the human person, the document emphasizes that pastoral care in healthcare is not an additional or secondary dimension, but an essential component of authentic healthcare and the mission of the Church. In a time marked by rapid medical, technological and social change, the Presidency of FEAMC seeks to offer, from the perspective of Catholic healthcare professionals and laypeople, detailed insights, as well as concrete proposals, at the local, regional and universal Church levels.
With humility and in the spirit of synodality, this document is submitted for consideration by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, with the hope that it may be helpful in further reflection and pastoral guidance of the Church in this sensitive and extremely important area. The Presidency of FEAMC remains open to any additional clarification or contribution, should it be deemed useful.
Rok Čivljak
Translation: Pastoral Care in Healthcare: A Priority for the Church Today and in the Future
Literature:
