Fr Florin-Ciprian Petre, Patriarchal Secretary at the Press and Public Relations Office of the Romanian Patriarchate and a serving priest at the chapel of the Prof. Dr Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatric Hospital in Bucharest, represented His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel at the public debate “Drugs in Romania: Prevention, Treatment and Combating Drug Trafficking”.
The debate was held last Thursday at the Palace of Parliament to discuss legislative proposal B544/2026, submitted to the Senate, which proposes relaxing certain provisions of drug legislation.
The Romanian Patriarchate’s representative highlighted the complexity of drug use and its consequences for public health, personal life, families and communities.
He stressed the need for a responsible approach integrating prevention, education, therapeutic intervention and support for people affected by addiction.
Referring to the legislative initiative to decriminalise certain offences involving the possession of drugs for personal use, Fr Florin-Ciprian Petre conveyed the Romanian Patriarchate’s concerns.
He emphasised the importance of carefully assessing the legal, educational and social consequences of such legislative changes, particularly regarding the protection of children and young people.
From the perspective of Christian anthropology, human life and health are gifts that must be protected, while preventing drug use is a shared responsibility of families, schools, the Church and state institutions.
In this context, the Patriarchate’s representative stressed that any legislative amendment must avoid conveying a message that normalises or minimises the risks associated with drug use, while prioritising education, prevention and support for vulnerable people.
Romanian Patriarchate’s involvement in drug prevention
Another aspect highlighted during the debate was the Romanian Patriarchate’s practical involvement, through the Filantropia Federation, in developing prevention programmes and professional training in the field of addiction.
Since 2020, the Filantropia Federation has operated an accredited professional training programme entitled Addiction Counsellor.
The programme was launched in response to needs identified among the Federation’s 27 member organisations and was subsequently expanded to the wider public.
Through this programme, more than 608 professionals, including social workers, psychologists, priests, teachers and educators, have received specialised training.
The training helps participants understand the mechanisms of addiction, identify signs of substance use and develop the skills needed to manage situations involving risk.
The role of priests in providing pastoral support to people affected by addiction was also emphasised.
This includes spiritual counselling, family support, and referrals to specialised medical and psychological services.
These activities are also supported by cooperation agreements concluded at diocesan level with institutions responsible for preventing and combating drug use.
Pastoral experience at the Prof. Dr Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatric Hospital
Continuing his address, Fr. Florin-Ciprian Petre shared insights from his pastoral experience in Ward XVI – Psychiatry and Substance Dependence at the Prof. Dr Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatric Hospital in Bucharest.
He participates in meetings organised as part of a multidisciplinary team project, highlighting the importance of cooperation between psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and priests.
Each professional contributes, within their respective area of expertise, to the care and recovery of people affected by addiction.
Fr Florin-Ciprian Petre stressed the need for a holistic understanding of the human person, taking into account physical, psychological, relational and spiritual dimensions.
Alongside specialised treatment, recovery involves rebuilding damaged relationships, restoring trust and rediscovering meaning in life.
Prevention, treatment and social reintegration: Priorities for a responsible approach
Concluding his address, Patriarch Daniel’s delegate reaffirmed the need to responsibly assess legislative proposal B544/2026 while developing prevention, treatment, recovery, and social reintegration services.
He also emphasised the importance of an approach combining firm action against drug trafficking with education, protection of the younger generation and support for vulnerable people.
“A responsible society is not merely one that combats drug use, but one that also knows how to prevent suffering, protect vulnerable people and offer those affected a genuine opportunity for recovery and reintegration,” Fr Florin-Ciprian Petre said.
The Romanian Patriarchate’s participation in the debate reflects the Church’s ongoing concern for protecting human life and dignity, as well as developing cooperation between public institutions, mental health professionals and the Church community in preventing drug use and supporting people affected by addiction.
