Pope Francis asks to “globalize solidarity”

VATICAN CITY.— At a time when racism and contempt “grow like discord” in the world, it is necessary to “globalize solidarity,” both nationally and internationally, Pope Francis invited volunteers of the Italian Red Cross (CRI), whom he received yesterday in audience on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the founding of this organization.

The Pope thanked the CRI operators for their precious presence, especially where “the roar of weapons drowns out the cry of the people, their longing for peace and their desire for the future.”

Fraternity is possible, he indicated, when the commitment is “inspired by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, volunteerism, unity and universality.”

“If the person is put at the center, we can dialogue, work together for the common good, overcoming divisions, breaking down the walls of enmity, overcoming the logic of interest and power that blinds and turns the other into an enemy. For the believer each person is sacred. Every human creature is loved by God and, therefore, bearers of inalienable rights.”

In the Paul VI Hall, packed with CRI volunteers with red jackets and five rows of nuns dressed in white and black and white caps, the Pope recognized the value of the action of many people of good will who work to defend the most vulnerable, and encouraged the Red Cross, “an eloquent symbol of a love for brothers that has no borders, neither geographical nor cultural, social, economic or religious”, to continue its “irreplaceable service” in areas of conflict or affected by catastrophes environmental, “in the field of training and health” and in the commitment shown “in favor of migrants, the last and the most vulnerable.”— Vatican News

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Migrant children

Pope Francis also said the following: “About this ‘the most vulnerable’ I would like to tell you one thing: they are children. Many children arrived here in Italy during the Ukrainian war, do you know something? These children don’t smile, they have forgotten the ability to smile. That’s bad for a child, let’s think about it.”