In a letter to Prof Mary Ann Muckaden, Chair of the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), His Holiness Pope Francis sends his best wishes to all members of the ICPCN for their 10 year anniversary campaign, NOW for Children with Life-Limiting Conditions, to promote palliative care for children throughout the world.
The NOW Campaign challenges governments, health services and members of the public to support the development of palliative care for children in every country and region.
Impressed by the initiative and vision of the programme, Pope Francis encourages the ICPCN to continue to work for children in need of palliative care, and assures the ICPCN of his prayers and blessings on their endeavours for the success of this campaign.
Joan Marston, CEO of the ICPCN, and on behalf of all the members, expressed her gratitude to His Holiness for his support and for his compassionate concern for the over 20 million children facing the challenges of life-limiting conditions.
The letter
The letter, dated 19 March 2015 and addressed to Professor Mary Ann Muckaden, reads as follows:
Reverent Prof. Mary Ann Muckaden
The Holy Father has received with gratitude your letter dated 6th August 2014, announcing that this year the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) will be celebrating 10 years of its service with a global campaign, that challenges governments, health services, international agencies and members of the public, to support the development of palliative care for children in every country and region.
Impressed by the initiative and the vision of the programme in favor of children in need of palliative care the Holy Father has asked me to convey to all the members of the network his best wishes for the occasion while encouraging your continued efforts on behalf of the children in need of palliative care. He likewise assures you his prayers and blessings for all your endeavors for the success of this event.
With my best wishes, I remain
Yours sincerely in Christ,
(Signature)
Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio
Apostolic Nuncio
Speaking about the importance of having the blessing of His Holiness Pope Francis on the NOW Campaign, Joan Marston had this to say, “The recognition of the value of the ICPCN NOW Campaign by His Holiness Pope Francis is an encouraging indication of how far we have come in bringing the palliative care needs of children with life-limiting conditions into global focus. We are so grateful for this acknowledgement of the importance of our work.”
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