*Irish Bishops Emphasize Human Dignity in Healthcare Amid Concerns Over Assisted Suicide* On the 33rd World Day of the Sick, the Chair of the Irish Bishops’ Conference Council for Healthcare, Bishop Michael Router, stressed the importance of upholding human dignity in healthcare practices. He expressed concern about the erosion of this principle in Ireland, particularly in light of increasing discussions around assisted suicide. Welcoming Pope Francis' recent message for the observance of the Day, Bishop Router highlighted the Jubilee theme of hope as a sustaining force in times of suffering. He emphasized that suffering should be seen as an opportunity to encounter God and share His love with others. Bishop Router warned that a healthcare system solely focused on economics and scientific advancements risks overlooking the emotional and spiritual needs of patients. He underscored the necessity of treating the sick as whole persons and advocated for compassionate and ethical approaches, such as palliative care, at the end of life. Bishop Router also called for increased funding and capacity in palliative care to ensure that the dignity of each person is respected from conception to natural death.