World Day of the Sick Date in the current year: February 11, 2024

World Day of the Sick was created by Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1992. Since 1993 it's celebrated on February 11, that coincides with the commemoration day of Our Lady of Lourdes. This feast was chosen because many pilgrims and visitors to Lourdes have been healed (as reported) by intercessions of the Blessed Virgin.

Pope John Paul II had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in early 1991, and the year after he decided to create a significant day for all sick people. He wrote a great deal on the topic of suffering. He indicated in his apostolic letter Salvifici Doloris, that it was much a salvific and redeeming process through Christ.

World Day of the Sick gained a specific significance in 2005, when Pope John Paul II died from a sepsis. World Day of the Sick is traditionally celebrated with a special service and various social events on the topic of disease.