After his address at the general audience on December 1, Pope Francis noted that today is World AIDS Day.
He said:
It is an important occasion to remember the many people who are affected by this virus. For many of them, in some areas of the world, access to the necessary treatment is not available. My hope is that there might be a renewed commitment in solidarity to guarantee fair and effective health care.
During WYD in Panama in 2019, Pope Francis went to a reception center for AIDS patients and called for compassion. He has also repeatedly encouraged scientific research to find a cure for the disease.
Read about a Catholic lay group that is fighting to help AIDS patients here.