CCC 1503

Christ's compassion toward the sick and his many healings of every kind of infirmity are a resplendent sign that "God has visited his people"¹⁰³ Lk 7:16; cf. Mt 4:24. and that the Kingdom of God is close at hand. Jesus has the power not only to heal, but also to forgive sins;¹⁰⁴ Cf. Mk 2:5-12. he has come to heal the whole man, soul and body; he is the physician the sick have need of.¹⁰⁵ Cf. Mk 2:17. His compassion toward all who suffer goes so far that he identifies himself with them: "I was sick and you visited me."¹⁰⁶ Mt 25:36. His preferential love for the sick has not ceased through the centuries to draw the very special attention of Christians toward all those who suffer in body and soul. It is the source of tireless efforts to comfort them.