The following is the Press Release issued by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development regarding the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 35th World Day of the Sick, to be held on Thursday 11 February 2027:

«They lowered him on the stretcher in front of Jesus» (cf. Lk 5:19)
The role of the community in caring for every person

Every Christian community, together with civil society, is called to attend to the weakness and suffering of others. In the Gospel passage, community members join together to bring the one who is suffering to the source of physical and spiritual healing. At the heart of our baptismal call is the commandment of mutual love: love your neighbor, take care of your neighbor. Like the friends of the paralytic, parishes and Christian communities are called to assume the responsibility of caring for those who are alone, the elderly and those who suffer, creating spaces of closeness and of hope.