The
Pope tells families to stand-up to ideological attacks
(Vatican
Radio) Pope Francis on Sunday evening urged parents and families to stand up to
“ideological colonizations that poison the soul.”
He
was speaking to some 25,000 faithful from the dioceses of Rome for the opening
of the Diocese’s annual Ecclesial Convention, dedicated this year to the theme
of the family.
Present
with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square for the occasion were many Catholic
families as well as the Cardinal Vicar Agostino Vallini and a high percentage
of the 350 parish priests of Rome.
During
his address to those present, Pope Francis touched on many issues including the
need for a “spiritual rebirth” for the city of Rome which is currently shaken
by a corruption scandal involving municipal authorities.
But
his focus was mostly on the family and on the Synod of Bishops on the Family to
be held in the Vatican in October, and he appealed to the many parents present
to safeguard their children from ideological attacks against the institution of
the family and all that is sacred which – he said – “are so hurtful and destroy
society, the Nation, families”.
“This
is why – he continued – we are in need of a spiritual and moral rebirth”.
Pope
Francis elaborated on the beauty and diversity of male and female
characteristics and – he said “complementarity and reciprocity” within families
are very important for the healthy growth of children who must not be afraid of
differences and must witness the joy of conjugal love in order to grow and
develop with confidence and security.
But
he also turned his attention to couples who separate urging them never to
forget their duties as parents.
“Do
not speak ill of each other” he said: that’s how children learn how to be
hypocritical and to take advantage of others.
The
Pope also had words for the over 600 thousand grandparents who live in Rome and
whom – he said - must be loved and respected.
And
he appealed to families to consider the option of old-age homes for
grandparents only as a last resort.
And
noting that a fourth of the population in Rome is elderly, the Pope asked: “Are
grandparents treated with respect? I am sure they are at the moment – he
continued – because what with the current lack of employment, it is to them and
to their pensions that one turns for help”.
(Linda Bordoni)
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