Telematic reality and pastoral care. The spiritual assistance of the Catholic Church in Italian health facilities to the test of the pandemic

Spiritual assistance in health care structures, in the Italian context usually entrusted to the priest, is an indispensable component in the accompaniment of the sick person, considered as the recipient of specific attention and subject bearer of rights, values, needs worthy of being satisfied. The pastoral care of health, especially in the current pandemic situation that imposes limits on sociality and affectivity, through human and spiritual counselling with the sick, family members and health care personnel, in compliance with the old legislation, plays a fundamental role in the human, health, social promotion of the sick and in encouraging respect for the values of life and health.