Vatican
City, 20 July 2013 (VIS) – The Holy See Press Office today
published the message sent by Pope Francis to Cardinal Agostino
Vallini, vicar general of the diocese of Rome, for the 70th
anniversary of the bombardment of the San Lorenzo quarter of Rome.
“I
am spiritually united with you, with the Capuchin friars and all
those gathered in the Basilica of San Lorenzo outside-the-Walls to
commemorate the violent bombardment of 19 July 1943, which inflicted
serious damage on the sacred building and the entire quarter, as in
other parts of the city, sowing death and destruction”.
Francis
mentioned in his message that Pope Pius XII, in those terrible hours,
was close to his co-citizens who had been so gravely afflicted. Pope
Pacelli did not hesitate to hasten to the quarter of San Lorenzo,
immediately and without escort, where he assisted and comforted the
stricken population. Again, on that occasion, he showed himself to be
a caring Pastor among his flock, especially in the hour of need,
willing to share in the suffering of his people”.
The
Holy Father also made mention of all those who, in such a dramatic
moment, joined in offering moral and material assistance, and in
particular Giovanni Battista Montini, the future Pope Paul VI, then
acting Secretary of State, who accompanied Pius XII to the quarter of
San Lorenzo.
“Many
bishops, priests and consecrated persons in Rome and throughout Italy
were like the good Samaritan in the parable of the Gospel”,
continued the Pope, “tending to the brother in his suffering, to
help him and to bring consolation and hope. It was a race to extend
charity to every human being in danger and in need of attention and
support”.
Pope
Francis concluded by recalling the words of Pius XII: “'Nothing is
lost by peace; everything may be lost by war'. Peace is a gift from
God, which today too must find willing hearts to welcome it and to
work as builders of reconciliation and peace”.
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