Taking part in the event at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Francis denounced the injustices of the city of Rome.
Vatican news
The Pope left the Vatican this Friday afternoon to participate in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in the Diocese of Rome.
The gathering under the theme of “Equality” concludes in February this year, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the “Congress on the Evils of Rome,” which brought Christians together to discuss social injustices. Capital.
On that occasion, the Pontiff recalled that the Roman Church listened to the many sufferings that characterized her, calling its members to reflect on the responsibility of Christians.
But unfortunately, the Pope commented, there are still many inequalities and poverty that affect city dwellers today. Christians are challenged by people who live on the streets, youth who cannot find work or housing, the sick and elderly who are in poor health, and who fall into drugs and other modern addictions.
Then the Pope asked: “Do we see the face of the suffering Christ in the wounded history of this people? Can we see this? What can we do? Holding a party to raise funds for the poor? The hypocrisy is great. This is great.” “Christians often say beautiful words, but they are not convincing with their gestures,” he rebuked.
For Francis, the issue of poverty must be experienced as a ecclesial urgency: “Please don’t call Christians, nuns, priests who work with the poor communists. Please stop this. It is still being told.”
As an example, the Pope cited food waste in restaurants, even a few meters from the Vatican, people who collect this waste. “How can this be accepted?” A city unable to face these contradictions is a fragmented city. A Christian who is not close, who is not compassionate, who is not tender is not a Christian, the Pope added, citing the three attitudes of God.
The Pope greeted Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri
The Pope asked Christians to overcome the virus of indifference, promote the social doctrine of the Church and take new paths. Once they leave the basilica, it would be a good start if they make a firm commitment to overcome inequality.
Francis concluded by speaking about faith, the theme of the imminent Jubilee: “I make a strong appeal to all of you to do concrete works of faith. Through our commitment to dream and nurture faith, it is a responsible and supportive commitment. Courage! Don’t be afraid to dream! “
Pope at the Cathedral of St. John Lateran
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