Pope
Francis: compensation disparity a 'pure scandal'
(Vatican
Radio) Pope Francis appealed for equal pay for equal work today, calling
compensation disparity a “pure scandal”. The Holy Father made his remarks
during the course of his catechetical reflection on marriage and family at his
weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
In
discussing the causes of family dissolution, Pope Francis said, “The Christian
seed of radical equality between men and women must bring new fruits,” in our
time. “The witness of the social dignity of marriage shall become persuasive,”
he continued, “precisely by this way: the way of witness that attracts.” The
Holy Father went on to say, “For this reason, as Christians, we must become
more demanding in this regard: for example, [by] supporting with decision the
right to equal retribution for equal work; disparity is a pure scandal.”
“At
the same time,” said Pope Francis, “we must recognize the maternity of women
and the paternity of men as a perennially valid treasure, for the benefit of
children.” The Holy Father went on to praise Christian families’ virtue of
hospitality, which is, “of crucial importance today,” especially, he said, “in
situations of poverty, degradation and domestic violence.”
It
was a theme to which Pope Francis returned in the English-language synthesis
read out after the main catechesis in Italian.
Beginning
with the crisis of marriage in many societies, Pope Francis said, “Today,
society is confronted with fewer marriages. In many countries, separation
of couples is increasing, while the number of children is decreasing.” He went
on to say, “These broken marriage bonds affect the young most of all, as they
come to view marriage as something temporary. Perhaps there is a fear of
failure which prevents men and women from trusting in Christ’s promise of grace
in marriage and in the family.” Nevertheless, “In truth we know that almost
every man and woman desires a secure and lasting relationship, a stable
marriage and a happy family.”
“The
most effective witness to the blessing of marriage is the good life of
Christian spouses and their families,” he said. “The consecration of their love
by God is the font of their peace and fidelity. To make these blessings
more evident to the world, the equality enjoyed by the spouses must produce new
fruit – equal opportunities in the workplace; a new valuing of motherhood and
fatherhood; and a greater appreciation for the openness of families to those
most in need.”
“Let
us not be afraid to invite Jesus and Mary to the marriage feast,” said Pope
Francis, “for Christian spouses marry not only for themselves but for the good
of the community and for all of society.”
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