Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to the Administrators of the City of Rome

(January 12, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI gave a renewed call to cultivate humanism, to respect every human person and to be prepared to be at the service of the community. The Pope was addressing the Administrators of the City of Rome in Italy’s Lazio Region on Thursday as he greeted them on the occasion of the New Year. The Pontiff expressed that the Lazio Region has experienced the effects of economic and financial difficulties that hit various parts of the world. There have been the problems of speculation, unemployment of youth, the loneliness of the elderly, the isolation of the persons in society and the marginalisation of the poor people. In this context, Pope Benedict said that the Christian community which is engaged in a constant educational work can provide fresh values particularly to new generations, to provide a better future for them. The Pope also appreciated the value of hospitality, already deeply rooted in the hearts of the inhabitants of Rome. He recalled how during the days of the beatification of Blessed John Paul II, thousands of pilgrims were able to live in the City in a spirit of brotherhood and harmony, thanks to their precious collaboration. The Pope called on them to strengthen the value of solidarity, extending their support to those facing hard times and those living in poor conditions. In this regard, he said a special support should be provided to families, particularly large ones, who are often faced with difficulty, sometimes made more acute by the lack or inadequacy of work. While encouraging them to support a stronger family bond the Pontiff requested to look especially into the area of youth unemployment and provide a better future to new generations. He advised them to see that young people do not fall victim to illegal organizations, which offer easy money and do not respect the value of human life.