In a message for the 2013 World Day of the Sick, Pope Benedict called on everyone to be a good Samaritan and help those in need.

The pope underlined the Church's fundamental role in "lovingly and generously accepting every human being, especially those who are weak and sick."

The World Day of the Sick is celebrated annually Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The Year of Faith is an occasion for the Church to intensify its charitable services "so that each one of us can be a good Samaritan for others, for those close to us," he said.