Pope highlights irreplaceable
work of Italian Red Cross
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| Italian Red Cross members attend an audence with Pope Francis in the Paul VI hall. (Vatican Media) |
The Pope tells members of the Italian Red Cross their work
is “a prophetic sign, so necessary for our world.”
Pope Francis on Saturday welcomed seven thousand members of
the Italian Red Cross in the Paul VI hall telling them their organization
carried out an irreplaceable service throughout Italy and the world.
The Pope noted that their work deserved the gratitude of
every citizen because it “takes place in the most diverse situations”, such as
earthquakes and other natural disasters, helping the populations affected.
Aid to migrants
He also underlined the organization’s commitment in the
rescue of migrants during their arduous journey at sea, and in receiving those
who disembark, adding that the presence of the Red Cross “alongside immigrants
is a prophetic sign, so necessary for our world.”
During his speech to the members gathered, the Pontiff focused on three words from the statutes of the Red Cross.
During his speech to the members gathered, the Pontiff focused on three words from the statutes of the Red Cross.
The first of these “humanity”, Pope Francis said was the
call to show compassion to the “children, the elderly, women and men whose face
is not recognized as unique and unrepeatable, and that remain invisible, hidden
in the shadow of indifference.”
The Good Samaritan
Highlighting the second principle that of
"impartiality", the Pope shone the spotlight on the Gospel reading of
the Good Samaritan who he said acted impartially by not questioning the man
lying on the ground, before helping him, Being impartial he added, “has as its
consequence "neutrality" - the third principle - for which your
Movement does not take sides with any of the parties in political, racial or
religious conflicts and disputes.”
This criterion, Pope Francis added, contrasts with today’s
trend, which often makes distinctions between those who deserve attention
and relief from those who are deemed unworthy.
In conclusion, the Pope again quoted from the statutes of
the relief organization, saying the Italian Red Cross along with the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red
Crescent constituted “an international network necessary to
coordinate relief efforts, and to ensure "mutual understanding,
friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among peoples.
Pope Francis underlined that “those who look at others
through the lens of friendship, and not with the lenses of competition or
conflict, become the builders of a more just and human world.
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