May 20, 2014 - Italy’s current crisis that is not only economic, but also cultural,
moral and spiritual, is an historic emergency that calls for the social responsibility
of all. Pope Francis thus invited the nation to fight what he called ‘catastrophism’
and resignation, by supporting with every form of creative solidarity those who are
struggling. For the first time in the history of the Catholic Bishops Conference
of Italy (CEI) a Pope delivered the keynote address opening its 66th General body
meeting in the Vatican Monday afternoon. The keynote address is normally reserved
for CEI president.
The Pope urged the Italian Church not to run away from
the “waiting room” full of the jobless, those on dole and temporary workers where
there is a living drama of those who do not know how to bring bread to their homes
or those who don’ know how to carry their business forward. He specially pointed
to areas where the Christian presence is mostly required and meaningful. The first
is the family, that is heavily penalized by a culture that idolizes private interest
and upholds a makeshift logic. He told the bishops to be the convinced voice of the
first cell of every society, bearing witness to its centrality and beauty. He told
them to promote the life of the unborn and the elderly. Provide support to parents
in the difficult and exciting educative journey. Do not forget to bend down with
the compassion of the Good Samaritan on those wounded in affection and who see their
plan of life compromised.
He also told the bishops not to look the other
way, but to embrace migrants fleeing persecution, intolerance and lack of future.
The current difficult situations experienced by Italians, the Pope said, call for
reviewing a development model that exploits the created world and sacrifices persons
on the altar of profit and creates new forms of marginalization and exclusion. The
need for a new humanism is the cry of a society without hope, that is shaken in many
of its fundamental beliefs and impoverished by a crisis that, more than economic,
is cultural, moral and spiritual. Calling the Italian bishops to authentic witness
and discipleship, he encouraged them to be tireless caregivers to all in need, and
to be courageous teachers of the faith. “Go out to meet anyone who should ask the
reason for the hope that is in you,” said Pope Francis.