Speaking to doctors from Spain and Latin American he said: "The doctor's identity and commitment depends not only on scientific knowledge and technical competence, but principally on the attitude of compassion and mercy towards those who suffer in body and spirit."
The pope was meeting with leaders of the Medical Orders of Spain and Latin America.
He said that in the modern world people have forgotten the value of compassion, preferring technological solutions to medical problems.
The pope spoke out saying that some view compassion as "the humiliation of the person who receives and others "hide behind an alleged compassion to justify and approve the death of a patient."
He assured the assembled doctors of his prayers and his appreciation for the efforts they make every day "to increasingly dignify their profession and to accompany, care for and enhance the immense gift of those who suffer due to illness."
"I like to bless the hands of doctors as a sign of recognition of this compassion that becomes the caress of health," the pontiff said.
He finished: "Nothing must prevent you from 'putting more heart into your hands'."
