Pope Encourages Hope Despite Economic Woe

(19 Jul 09 - RV) Encouragement in a time of economic woes and a call for all to remember that there are always people who are worse off; this was Pope Benedict XVI’s message Sunday to the faithful of Romano Canavese, a village in the province of Turin where Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone was born.

It was the first public outing for the Pope since his arrival at Les Combes, in the mountains of Valle d'Aosta, on vacation. It is also his first public appearance since his accident on Thursday night during which he fractured his right wrist. Sporting a plaster cast a smiling Pope confessed he was "somewhat 'limited," before thanking the doctors of Aosta, who he said treated him "with skill and courtesy". Pope Benedict also thanked all those who had sent him prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery.

The Holy Farther arrived in Romano Canavese by helicopter. The white-yellow colours of Vatican flags hung from the windows of the houses and adorned the small stage set up before the Church of Saints Peter and Soluter from where he recited the Sunday Angelus.


Thousands had come from neighbouring towns and villages to greet him.
 
"Dear friends” he told them do not be discouraged! Providence always helps those who do good and are committed to justice; it helps those who think not only of themselves but also of those who are worse off”.

The Northern Italian region, once a flourishing centre for technology industries, is now experiencing the difficulties of the global economic crisis. Pope Benedict noted that the territory was one a land from which past generations were forced to emigrate for lack of work, but then knew economic development and prosperity, so that others immigrated here from Italy and abroad.

The Pope pointed out that the problem of unemployment is one of the themes of his Encyclical "Caritas in Veritate” - hopefully, he said “it will help mobilize positive forces". He praised the regions long history of respect for “the fundamental values of family and human life, attention to social justice, the ability to tackle hard work and sacrifice, the strong bonds with the Christian faith”. These same values, he said “will allow the generation of today build their own future with hope, giving rise to a truly united and fraternal society, imbued with the spirit of the Gospel. "

Then in a message directed to young people he asked they be proposed “examples and models that encourage them to follow the ways of the Gospel and of real freedom”. “Young people are full of resources” - he added – “but they must be helped to overcome the temptation of the easy and deceptive paths to find the path of true and full life”.

Following the Angelus prayer Pope Benedict was guest of honour at the Bertone house, where he had lunch together with the family of his Secretary of State, before boarding a helicopter for his return to his chalet in Les Combes.
 
The Holy Father’s next public appointment is Friday for the recitation of Vespers in the Cathedral of Aosta and the Sunday Angelus in Les Combes.