From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Mar 26: Bangalore Archdiocese’s Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras, who reached Vatican City State on Monday, to participate in the Eighth Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for Health, had a private audience with Pope Francis.

The Pope greeted all the Consulters of the Pontifical Council for Health and praised their efforts in bringing relief to the sick, elderly and the disabled.

''When caring for life, we must recognize the dignity and value of every single human being, from conception until death,” Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis concluded his address by urging the participants to see the figure of Christ present in the poor, the suffering, the unwanted children, in people with physical and psychic disabilities and in the elderly.

Archbishop Moras, who left Bangalore on Sunday night, had a private audience with Pope Francis before lunch after the inaugural session of the Eighth Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for Health, according to a press release from Rev Fr A S Anthony Swamy, Chancellor and Public Relations Officer of the Archdiocese.

Earlier, the day began with all Consulters gathered at the Altar of the Tomb of St Peter to celebrate the inaugural mass presided by Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State.

After Mass the Consulters processed to the Altar of Blessed John Paul II, who founded the Pontifical Council, for a moment of silent prayer and thanksgiving.

The Plenary Session also commemorates the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Blessed John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Salvifici Dolores (The salvific power of suffering).

Archbishop Moras greeted Cardinal Parolin soon after mass and spent a few minutes with him in a private meeting.