Pope sends message to sick on world TB day

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AFP) — Pope Benedict XVI said he was "particularly close" to those sick with tuberculosis following Easter prayers which coincide with the World Tuberculosis Day.

"During this world day to fight tuberculosis, I am particularly close to those who are sick and their families and hope to increase global engagement against this scourge," Benedict said at his Castel Gandolfo residence near Rome.

"My appeal is first directed to all the Catholic institutions so that those who suffer can realise, through their actions, that the Lord has risen so he can offer them healing, comfort and peace," the pope told pilgrims.

The World Health Organisation warned in a report published last week that new TB cases are slipping through the detection net, as...