Vatican
City, 14 January 2013
(VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received members of the General
Inspectorate of Public Safety in the Vatican as is customary at the
beginning of the new year, to exchange greetings for the new year. In
his address he emphasized the dedication and professionalism with
which they undertake their tasks, especially during events with
faithful and pilgrims who "arrive from all over the world to
meet the successor of Peter and to visit the tomb of the Prince of
the Apostles, as well as to pray at the tombs of my venerated
predecessors, particularly Blessed John Paul II.
The
Pope recalled that the duty of the members of the Inspectorate also
extends to his pastoral visits and apostolic trips to Italy and he
thanked them for "the manner and spirit that animate your
vigilant and qualified service. It is a manner that, at the same time
that it honours your identity as functionaries of the Italian State
and members of the Church, also attests to the good relations between
Italy and the Holy See." He also expressed the desire that this
task, not exempt from sacrifice and danger, be always inspired by "a
steadfast Christian faith that is, undoubtedly, the most precious
treasure and spiritual valour that your families have entrusted you
with and which you are called to impart to your children. The Year of
Faith that the entire Church is now living is also, for you, an
opportunity to return to the Gospel message in order to let it enter
more deeply into your consciences and your daily life, courageously
witnessing to the love of God in every area, even that of your
jobs."
"May
your presence be," he concluded, "an ever more valid
guarantee of that good order and tranquillity that are fundamental to
building a peaceful and calm social life and that, besides being
taught by the Gospel message, are a sign of true civilization."
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