Vatican City: In a heartfelt video message delivered for this year’s ALS Walk for Life, Pope Leo XIV reminded participants that the true quality of human life does not rest on success or achievement, but on love.
The annual walk, hosted by the Les Turner ALS Foundation in Chicago, brought together patients, families, researchers, and caregivers united by a shared struggle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Addressing them, Pope Leo expressed admiration and deep gratitude to the scientific community striving to unravel the mysteries of motor neurone diseases and to ease the suffering they inflict.
The Pope reflected on the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or the healing of creation, connecting it with the responsibility of using human talents for the benefit of others. Citing Pope John Paul II, he said: “If an artist cannot be stopped from using his creativity, neither should those with gifts in science and technology be prevented from applying their God-given talents to the service of humanity.”
Particularly moving were his words for caregivers, whom he described as silent heroes of the ALS community. Drawing on Islamic tradition, Pope Leo noted the Hadith which speaks of angels accompanying caretakers: “When you arrive in the morning, 70,000 angels come with you; when you arrive in the evening, another 70,000 take your place. I believe you too are angels.”
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive and incurable neurological condition that destroys motor neurons the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles. As these cells deteriorate, muscles weaken, waste away, and ultimately become paralyzed. The disease name itself reflects its effects: “amyotrophic” from Greek, meaning lack of nourishment to the muscles; “lateral” pointing to the spinal cord pathways; and “sclerosis” referring to the hardening of affected tissue.
Turning to those who live with the disease, Pope Leo offered a message of consolation and strength: “You carry a heavy cross. Yet your suffering bears witness to a profound truth: the quality of human life is not dependent on achievement. The quality of our lives is dependent on love.”
He also extended his embrace to grieving families, reminding them that death does not have the last word: “Love conquers death.”
The Pope concluded his message by praising Harvey and Bonnie Gaffen for their decades of dedication to keeping alive the legacy of Les Turner, in whose name the foundation was established. “All these people are here because of you,” Pope Leo said, “because of the greatness of your heart.”