Pope greets Italian police who protect the Vatican
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis greeted the members of the
General Inspectorate for Public Security at the Vatican of the Italian State
Police (Polizia di Stato) in a traditional new year meeting on Friday. Although
Vatican City State has its own police force – the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps
– this force cooperates closely with its Italian counterparts, and the
Italian police help patrol St. Peter’s Square.
In his address, Francis expressed his gratitude to all of
them for their generous service, not without difficulties and risks. “I know
that you run risks”, he said. “You are, in a certain sense, the ‘guardian
angels’ of St. Peter’s Square. Indeed, every day you keep watch over this
peculiar centre of Christianity, and other relevant areas of the Vatican, with
great care, professionalism and a sense of duty. And especially in these recent
times, you have shown competence and courage in facing the many challenges and
various dangers, working with generosity in the prevention of crimes. In this
way you have ensured safe access for pilgrims to the Basilica and to meetings
with Peter’s Successor. For all this I thank you. I thank you: they are not
merely words, these, they come from the heart. Thank you! I know the hardships
of your work and the sacrifices that you must make every day. Know that I
appreciate you greatly and often think with sincere gratitude of you and your
valuable work”.
“The extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, an event of unique
spiritual significance, has seen many pilgrims flock to Rome from all over the
world in recent months. You too have been required to make greater efforts in
your work, to ensure that the celebrations and events connected with the
Jubilee were able to take place in safety and serenity. The external order over
which you kept watch with great diligence, thoughtful care and constant
willingness, thus contributed to fostering inner calm in pilgrims in search of
peace in their encounter with the Lord’s mercy”.
The Pope recalled that the Christmas celebrations came to an
end just a short while ago, in which “we turned our gaze to Bethlehem, to that
land and that family who became Jesus’ dwelling. Christmas urges us to measure
ourselves, once again, with the lowering of the Son of God, Who wished to make
Himself similar to us in everything other than sin, to make us understand the
love with which He loved, and loves, us. This immeasurable love is a constant
invitation to turn to acceptance, solidarity and forgiveness of our brothers.
In this way we will be able to experience within ourselves that peace that the
angels in Bethlehem proclaimed to men of good will”.
The Holy Father concluded by asking the Lord to protect
those present and commending them to the Virgin Mary, and reiterating his
gratitude for the tenacity and fidelity with which they perform their work. “I
ask you to pray for me, and impart my heartfelt apostolic blessing”.
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