Pope Francis emphasized this morning the necessity of making the integration of people with special needs a priority in all countries. He lamented that many countries do not recognize their equality in dignity. He also called for changing mindsets, not just structures, so that people with special needs can participate in social life at all levels.
The Holy Father's words came during a special audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace with a delegation of ministers participating in the "G7: Inclusion and Disability" meetings held in the Italian region of Umbria. Ministers from the G7, the European Union, and other countries participated in these meetings and signed the "Solfaniano Document" yesterday, which is the result of work on important topics such as inclusion, accessibility, independent living, and valuing people. The document is based on the rights of persons with disabilities according to the United Nations.