Pope's Thoughts Turn to Victims of Financial Crises this Christmas

(19 Dec 08 - RV)Pope Benedict exchanged Christmas greetings with employees of the Vatican’s Labour Office on Friday.

The Labour Office is responsible for the Holy See’s Labour relations with its employees. Instituted by Pope John Paul II on 1 January 1989, the office also settles labour issues which arise.
Greeting the group led by Cardinal Francesco Marchiano, Pope Benedict said that this Christmas, his thoughts go to those affected by the jobs crises currently worrying humanity adding that all those who are fortunate enough to be employed, should thank God and open their hearts to those facing unemployment and economic difficulties.
Quoting John Paul II, Pope Benedict reaffirmed that in the workplace “the dignity of each and every employee [must] be respected and their socio-economic rights safeguarded and upheld”.
He also highlighted the duty of each worker to faithfully do their job with a sense of responsibility in their work, so that that the service they provide constantly improve.
Then Pope Benedict addressed the case of his own employees, the Vatican workforce, which includes bishops, priests, religious and lay men and women. Thanking them for their commitment, he reminded them they are ‘part of one family’ in which the members are united by a common aim to help St Peter’s Successor carry out his mission.
That is why, he added, it is indispensable that among co-workers in the Vatican there is a common effort and convinced adhesion to Christ as well as a sincere love for his Church. “The profession activity of each and every employee constitutes a ‘vocation’ that needs cultivation”, he said, underlining competence and dedication, professionalism, honesty and commitment so as to render work a prayer within itself”.
Concluding Pope Benedict also asked all men and women in gainful employment to spare a thought for those afflicted by poverty worldwide this Christmas, for the fight against hunger needs people, families and communities capable of authentic human development.