Pope authorizes indulgences for caring for the mentally ill

Published: 2006-02-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On the occasion of World Day of the Sick, Catholics can receive special indulgences for caring for people who are ill or suffer from mental illness. Pope Benedict XVI authorized the indulgences to encourage the faithful to show "Christian compassion and social solidarity toward the ill, especially toward those affected by mental illness," said U.S. Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican tribunal that regulates indulgences. The Vatican published the cardinal's statement announcing the indulgences and outlining the requirements for receiving them Feb. 3. An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due for sins committed. The 14th World Day of the Sick will be held in Adelaide, Australia, Feb. 11. The event's focus this year will be on mental health and the importance of offering proper care and support for people who suffer from mental illness.

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