VATICAN CITY, 12 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received Piero Marrazzo, president of the Region of Lazio, Italy; Gianni Alemanno, mayor of the City of Rome; and Nicola Zingaretti, president of the Province of Rome, each accompanied by an entourage, for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings.
"There is no doubt", said the Pope in his remarks to them, "that the world community is passing though a time of serious economic crisis, yet this is also connected to a crisis in structure, culture and values. The difficult situation involving the world economy brings inevitable consequences to all areas, and hence also hits Rome, its province and the cities and towns of the Lazio region. Such an arduous challenge, ... must be met by a joint desire to react. ... At difficult moments in their history, people are able to rediscover unity of intent and courage around the wise guidance of illuminated administrators whose fundamental concern must be the universal good".
Benedict XVI noted the "appreciation for the presence and activities of Catholic communities" shown by the various administrations, and he highlighted how Catholics "neither seek nor boast any privileges but want their spiritual and social mission to continue to garner appreciation and co-operation. ... Rome and Lazio have a special role for Christianity. Catholics here feel stimulated to bear living evangelical witness and to undertake activities of human promotion, especially in the face of today's difficulties".
In this context the Pope mentioned the work of diocesan Caritas, of parish communities and Catholic associations, recalling that, although they "spare no efforts to bring help to those in need, it is vital to create a synergy between all institutions in order to offer concrete answers to people's growing needs. I am thinking of families, ... of the elderly, ... of the housing crisis, of the lack of work and youth unemployment, of the difficult coexistence between different ethnic groups, and of the great question of immigration and nomads.
"If the implementation of appropriate economic and social politics is the duty of the State", he added, "the Church, in the light of her social doctrine, is called to make her own contribution, stimulating reflection and forming the consciences of the faithful and of all citizens of good will. Today, perhaps as never before, civil society understands that only with lifestyles inspired by sobriety, solidarity and responsibility, is it possible to build a more just society and a better future for everyone".
Turning his attention to education, a theme upon which "the Church has concentrated its efforts for many years", Benedict XVI noted how "ecclesial structures in the heart of neighbourhoods, apart from enabling people to exercise the fundamental human right that is religious freedom, are also centres for encounter and formation in the values of sociality, peaceful coexistence, fraternity and peace".
The Pope also referred to episodes of youth violence and of the death of young people in road accidents. Having called for collaboration to prevent such tragedies, he went on: "Especially among the young generations, there has been a drop in the natural and Christian values that give meaning to daily existence and form a vision of life open to hope. What emerges in their place are ephemeral desires and short-lived expectations which in the end produce only boredom and failure. The unfortunate outcome of all this is the emergence of a tendency to cheapen the value of life itself. ... In the face of the nihilism that increasingly pervades the world of youth, the Church invites everyone seriously to dedicate themselves to young people, and not to abandon them to their own devices".
Finally the Pope considered the subject of healthcare, recalling how in this sector "the ecclesial community, heir to a long tradition of caring for the sick, continues ... its activities with hospitals and care homes inspired by evangelical principles". He also noted how, over the last year, the regional authorities have given "positive signs of seeking to help Catholic healthcare structures".
The Pope concluded by recalling that the task of public administrators "is not an easy one", because they have to face "complex situations which, ever more frequently, call for unpopular interventions and decisions. ... The most important help the Pope can give you", he said, "is his daily prayer that the Lord may enlighten you and always make you honest servants of the common good".
AC/.../REGION:PROVINCE:ROME VIS 20090112 (750)
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