Message from Leo XIV to participants from the Als Walk for Life in the United States

On the occasion of ALS Walk for Lifewhich is celebrated in Chicago (United States) this Saturday, September 20, Pope Leo XIV sent a video store in which he is “deeply grateful” with the researchers and scientists who with their work help relieve the suffering caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ELA).

ELA is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, responsible for controlling voluntary muscles movements. When these cells are damaged, the patient experiences muscle weakness, difficulties in speaking, swallowing and, in advanced stages, to breathe.

Although it has no cure, there are treatments that relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life, making comprehensive care and human and spiritual accompaniment essential.

Every year, the Les Turner Als Foundation (acronym for ELA) organizes the event that brings together experts in the field and thousands of people who wish to give visibility and generate awareness about this disease. It is a walk of just over 3 kilometers along the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, which ends with a tour of the Soldier Field.

“First of all, let me say that I am full of admiration and gratitude towards the researchers and scientists gathered here,” said the Pope in his video store.

“In the last 10 years, using all their knowledge and compassion to understand the diseases of motor neurons and relieve the suffering they cause, they have made notable advances. I, like everyone present here, I am deeply grateful to them,” he added.

The Holy Father highlighted “the innumerable hours” that experts dedicate in looking for “a way to follow in their research” or trying to find resources to carry out their valuable work.

“To the men and women who carry out scientific research at the Les Turner Als Center in Northwestern Medicine and in other places, please accept my gratitude and my breath,” said Leo XIV.

The Pope also thanked the work of “many caregivers”, especially friends and family of patients with ELA and other motor diseases, which for their compassion “are an inspiration for me and for all people.” He acknowledged that this care often means “a great personal sacrifice” and stressed that with their dedication “they show us the best of humanity.”

“They are the good Samaritans that Jesus spoke about,” he said. “Let me tell you something that you live with ELA: you occupy a special place in my thoughts and prayers,” added Leo XIV.

In addition, the Holy Father said that patients with ELA have “imposed a very difficult burden to endure”, and although he said he would like to be otherwise, he stressed that their sufferings “offer the opportunity to discover and affirm a deep truth” because “the quality of human life does not depend on achievements.”

“The quality of our lives depends on love. In your suffering, you can experience a depth of human love so far unknown,” he said.

The Pope indicated that patients with ELA and other motor diseases “can grow in gratitude” for everything they have been given, especially for all the people who take care of them. “They can develop a deep sense of the beauty of creation, life in this world and the mystery of love,” he said.

Finally, he assured their prayers to all those who carry these diseases, so that they do not get carried away by frustration. In addition, he reminded those who are mourning for having lost loved ones, assuring them that they have not been forgotten.

“In fact, his love has been purified with his service and then with his duel. They have learned and every day they enter more deeply in the deepest of the mysteries: death is not the last word. Love overcome death. Love overcome death. Love overcome death,” said the Pope.