Pope speaks on economic crisis, refugees, youth, family
(June 20,2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday voiced concern at the effects of the economic
crisis, especially on the youth. During a day-long visit to tiny Republic of San
Marino, nestled on the eastern slopes of Italy's Apennine Mountains, Pope Benedict
called for attention to be paid to "the crisis affecting numerous families" and the
difficulties of educating today's youth hit by "the precariousness of their role in
society and in the prospect of finding a job". The Pope voiced his concern during
a Mass for some 22,000 people at the stadium in Serravalle, a village at the foot
of the San Marino fortress. Many in the crowd waved flags and wore t-shirts and caps
in the Vatican's yellow and white colours. Earlier Pope Benedict flew in a helicopter
from the Vatican to Torraccia, where San Marino Bishop Luigi Negri greeted him before
boarding the Popemobile to ride to Serravalle for the Mass. In his pronouncement,
Pope Benedict warned against "hedonism and the greed of power". Before reciting
the ‘Angelus’ Marian prayer at the end of the Mass the Pope reminded all of Monday’s
World Refugee Day, and appealed for refugees saying they deserve a dignified welcome
from countries receiving them, until they can return home freely and safely. Recalling
this year’s 60th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention Relating
to the Status of Refugees, the Pope invited civil authorities and every person of
good will to ``guarantee a welcome and dignified living conditions'' for refugees.
Later on Sunday the Pope held a prayer meeting with some 4 thousand young people
in the town of Pennabilli. Bishop Luigi Negri of San Marino noted how young people
are the weakest link in the local Church and society, of how they are victims of the
manipulations of a ‘bad culture and bad teachers’ that dominated society and its institutions.
Pope Benedict encouraged the young people not to be afraid of facing difficult situations,
moments of crisis and life’s trials, remembering the Lord is with them. Rather than
allowing scientific and technological tools substitute the life and the richness of
relationships of friendship and love, they should allow themselves to be illuminated
by the mystery of Christ. Earlier, Pope Benedict asked local authorities to give
greater support and recognition to families. He warned against attempts to undermine
the fundamental value of the institution of the family, which he said marginalises
young generations and the weakest in society. The family alone, he said, can nurture
mature and responsible people with deep and perennial values. The Holy Father also
encouraged the San Marino community in the current economic crisis, expressing his
concern for those workers who have seen their labour rights undermined by the precarious
nature of today’s job market.