In Rome this past June, a major conference on disability theology took place. The event was organized by the Italian bishops conference and brought together some of the world’s leading experts in this field.

An event in Rome recently examined ways the Church can better serve people with disabilities.

Theologians and medical experts weigh in on the role the Church has played in supporting those with disabilities and the steps it still needs to take to be an example of respecting the dignity of people in all forms.

The richness of a person with disability is a constant challenge to the Church and society to open to the mystery such persons present.

Making churches accessible and services understandable is important, but having wheelchair ramps and sign-language interpreters is not enough for a parish to call itself "inclusive," Pope Francis said.

On June 16, at their plenary meeting in Orlando, Florida, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved the drafting of a new pastoral statement to address the role of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church.