On Friday, November 29, Pope Francis addressed a delegation from the Department of Dentistry at the University of Naples “Federico II.” During his speech, he urged them to be guided by the principles of the Hippocratic Oath: “First, do no harm; then care; finally, heal.” The Pope emphasized that this oath should not be seen as superficial but as a form of “healthy realism.” He encouraged the dentists to approach their work with compassion and dedication, advising them to care for patients in what he called “the style of God.”
What is God’s style? Closeness, compassion and tenderness. Do not forget this: God is close, compassionate and tender. God’s style is always this: closeness, compassion and tenderness. Moreover, the person is cared for in their entirety, not just a part. I remember when, in my twenties, a part of my lung, which was diseased, was removed. Yes, they gave me medicine, but what gave me the most strength was the hand of the nurses who, after giving me the injections, took me by the hand… This human tenderness does a great deal of good!
