Pope Francis: Address to Italo-Latin American
Organization
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met Friday
morning with representatives of the Italo-Latin American Organization,
an institution dedicated to promoting development and coordination, as well as
identifying possibilities for reciprocal assistance and for common action among
the member countries.
The Holy Father’s address to the members of the organization
focused precisely on three aspects of those goals: identifying potential,
coordinating action, and moving forward.
Pope Francis noted that the countries of Latin America are
“rich in history, culture, and natural resources; that their people are good,
and committed to solidarity with others. Such values must be appreciated and
strengthened. But, he said, in spite of these goods, the people of Latin
America are experiencing an economic and social crisis that has led to
increased poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, as well as abuse and
exploitation of our common home. Any analysis of the situation must recognize
the real needs and potentials of the people of these countries.
The second point, the Pope said, is “to coordinate efforts
to offer concrete answers, to meet the demands and the necessities of the sons
and daughters of our countries.” This does not mean leaving the work to others,
and signaling our approval afterwards, he said, but requires time and effort on
our part. He focused especially on the phenomenon of migration, which has grown
steadily in recent years. In this area, the Pope said, we must not seek to
place blame and avoid responsibility, but must rather work together in a
coordinate manner.
Finally, among the many things that can be done, Pope
Francis identified the promotion of a culture of dialogue as fundamentally
important. Many countries, he said, are going through social, political, and
economic crises; and it is the poor who are the first to note the corruption
that exists between different social classes, and the “wicked” distribution of
wealth. Dialogue, he said, is essential to facing these crises. But dialogue,
the Pope said, must not be a “dialogue between the deaf.” Rather, “it requires
a receptive attitude that welcomes suggestions and shares aspirations.”
Pope Francis concluded his remarks by encouraging the
representatives of the Italo-Latin American Organization in their commitment to
work “for the common good of the American continent”; and he expressed his hope
that “collaboration among all can favour the construction of an ever more human
and more just world.”
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