Pope Francis to workers and entrepreneurs in Turin

Pope Francis to workers and entrepreneurs in Turin

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis’s two-day Apostolic Visit to Turin (June 21-22) began Sunday morning with an audience in Piazza Rebaudengo for a vast array of workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs. 

After speeches from local labourers which focused on their daily difficulties, the Holy Father affirmed that work is necessary, not only for the economy, but also for the integrity of the human person, for their dignity and social inclusion.  He acknowledged the problems caused by the current economic crisis on the health, education, and future of individuals. 

In this time of increased immigration, Pope Francis recognized that new migrants increase competition, but that "they are not to be blamed, because they are also victims of inequality, of this ‘throw-away economy’, and of war". 

Proposing a solution to the economic crisis which has left many Italians unemployed, the Holy Father said all must say ‘NO’ to an economy of waste which excludes persons who do not produce, ‘NO’ to corruption and the idolatry of money, and ‘NO’ to inequality which generates violence.  "Don Bosco", he reminded the saint’s compatriots, "teaches us that the best method is prevention:  even social conflict must be prevented, and this is done with justice".  

Pope Francis also emphasized the need for an economic model which is not in function of capital and production, but which works for the common good.  The challenge of the future must be "faced with solidarity and broad vision", and with a "social and generational pact", which pools resources for the common effort.

Finishing his speech with words of encouragement, Pope Francis recalled a favorite theme which bridges the generational gap:  "Children are the promise of the future, of moving ahead", and  "grandparents are the memory of the past which traces our steps for the future.  Grandparents are the memory!"

(Devin Sean Watkins)

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