Pope meets young people of Italy’s Catholic Action

December 20, 2013 - Pope Francis on Friday encouraged young Italians to be true Christians, witnessing to the love of Baby Jesus for all, in their homes, parishes and schools, by giving a helping hand to someone in need, without judging and speaking ill of others. The Pope spoke to a group of 65 children belonging to lay Italian association called Azione Cattolica Ragazzi, ACR, or young people and children’s wing of Catholic Action, whose members are committed to living their faith and proclaiming the Gospel in society as a way to holiness. The children came to exchange Christmas greetings with the Pope on behalf of Catholic Action of Italy. The Pope encouraged ACR’s 2013-2014 inclusiveness campaign called “There’s No Game without You”, saying this is what Christmas is all about – God comes among us to save us. He reminded the youngsters that without Jesus, Catholic Action is not OK, it’s an NGO and there are many of them. He thus encouraged them to be always ‘living stones’ in the Church, in union with Jesus. The weakness and fragility of the Baby Jesus, the Pope explained, demonstrates God’s tenderness and boundless love for us. He invited the young people to relive the experience of the shepherds of Bethlehem, celebrating Christmas with the many fathers and mothers who work hard each day with numerous sacrifices, with the little ones, the sick and the poor.