Pope seeks to end stigma over Huntington's disease

The Pope is trying to end the stigma of people afflicted with Huntington's Disease.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th May 2017, 13:02 GMT
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:43 GMT
Pope Francis caresses a sick woman during an audience with Huntington's disease sufferers and their families, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 18, 2017 i)Pope Francis caresses a sick woman during an audience with Huntington's disease sufferers and their families, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 18, 2017 i)
Pope Francis caresses a sick woman during an audience with Huntington's disease sufferers and their families, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 18, 2017 i)

Francis held an audience at the Vatican with Huntington's sufferers and their families, as well as patient organisations and researchers trying to find treatments and a cure.

The incurable genetic disorder affects the brain, and has a range of symptoms including serious involuntary movements and psychiatric problems. Many sufferers are left shunned and isolated in their communities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Organisers said Francis is the first world leader to recognise the plight of those with Huntington's, and said the audience marked the start of a global awareness campaign.

Pope Francis greets an ill girl accompanied by Argentine singer Axel, right, during an audience with Huntington's disease families, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 18, 2017Pope Francis greets an ill girl accompanied by Argentine singer Axel, right, during an audience with Huntington's disease families, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 18, 2017
Pope Francis greets an ill girl accompanied by Argentine singer Axel, right, during an audience with Huntington's disease families, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 18, 2017

Many of the families came from South America, where Huntington's is 1,000 times more prevalent than in the rest of the world.

It is particularly prevalent in Venezuela, where the affected gene was first identified 25 years ago.

Related topics:HuntingtonPopeOrganisers