Pope invites surgeons to be “protectors of lives of the suffering”

Pope Francis recently invited surgeons to be “protectors of lives of the suffering” on the occasion of the 126th National Congress of the Italian Society of Surgery in Rome themed “The Future of the Surgeon—The Surgeon of the Future," according to Vatican News.

"When you have a human body in your hands, created in the image of God, act as 'artisans of health,' treating others with the same care with which you would want to be treated, " said the Pope.

He lauded the surgeons for their work to save and care for lives and thanked them for all their sacrifices. 

He reminded them to put the sick person at the center, a “living person,” and not "just their organs or tissues." He said modern medicine at times reduces the body to become "merely an object of scientific investigation and technical manipulation," at "the expense of the patient, who takes second place."

The Holy Father then called for a "humane science," saying, “Science is for humanity, not humanity for science.” 

He also said, "Never forget that nothing can replace the surgeon’s "hand," this time when surgery relies on many new technologies, including artificial intelligence. 

He encouraged the doctors to promote humane values, especially to future surgeons. "Your work and your mission will always be extremely important: I therefore invite you to be protectors of the lives of those who suffer—protectors of the lives of those who suffer."

Calling them "esteemed surgeons," the Holy Father urged them to imitate the Good Samaritan and the Lord's closeness and care for those in need. "This is how very good doctor becomes a neighbor to their patient," said the Pope.