Pope addresses Italian road and railway police
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| Pope Francis meets Italian railway amd road police on Nov.20, 2017. |
While commending Italy’s police force for ensuring the
safety and security of those travelling by road and train, Pope Francis on
Monday called on them to also inculcate humanity, uprightness and
“mercy”. The Pope met some 100 top leaders and officials of
Italy’s road police that celebrating its 70th anniversary and railway police
that is marking its 110 years.
Road safety
Talking about road safety, Pope Francis told the group it is
necessary to deal with the low level of responsibility on the part of many
drivers, who often do not even realize the serious consequences of their
inattention (for example, with improper use of cell phones) or
their disregard. He said this is caused by a hurried and competitive
lifestyle that regards other drivers as obstacles or opponents to overcome,
turning roads into "Formula One" tracks and the
traffic lights as the starting line of a Grand Prix race. In such a
context, the Pope said, sanctions are not just enough to increase security, but
there is a need for an educative action, which creates greater awareness of
one’s responsibilities for those traveling alongside.
Beyond professionalism
The Pope told the police men and women that the fruit of
their experience on the road and the railway will help in raising awareness and
increase civic sense. Their professionalism not only depends on their skills
but also on their “profound uprightness” which never takes
advantage of the powers they possess, thus helping develop a “high degree
of humanity.” The Pope said that in surveillance and
prevention, it is important to ensure never to let the use of force degenerate
into violence, especially when a policeman is regarded with suspicion
or almost as an enemy instead of a guardian of the common good.
Mercy
In fulfilling their functions, the Holy Father suggested the
police have a “sort of mercy”, which he said is not synonymous with
weakness. Neither does it mean renunciation of the use of force.
It means not identifying the offender with the offence he has
committed, that ends up creating harm and generating revenge. Their work
requires them to use mercy even in the countless situations of weakness
and pain that they face daily, not only in various types of accidents
but also in meeting needy or disadvantaged people.
Good vs evil
The Pope also asked the road and railway police to recognize
the presence of the clash between good and evil in the world and within us, and
to do everything possible to fight egoism, injustice and indifference
and whatever offends man, creates disorder and foments illegality, hindering
the happiness and growth of people.
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