Pope Francis urged the delegation of members of parliament and mayors from the north of France to bring the real needs of the people to the highest authorities and to adopt the necessary measures to protect the most vulnerable in society.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
On Friday, a delegation of members of parliament and mayors from the French diocese of Cambrai visited the Pope in the Vatican, together with the diocese’s Metropolitan Vincent Dolman. They were praised by the Pope for this visit to Rome, where the public administration and the religious authorities came together in a spirit of cooperation for the good of all.
Economic, social and cultural challenges
Pope Francis recalled how his region expanded with coal mines, metal processing factories and textile factories during the industrial revolution of the 19th century, and when the mines and factories had to be closed and the economic crisis that caused i’ the people here become poor. It was also said that the authorities should consider not only economic challenges but also social and cultural aspects.
Priority should be given to basic needs
Public authorities must involve themselves in social and cultural activities regardless of their political affiliation. The Pope said that public servants show a willingness to serve the people who have trusted them and elected them by giving priority to the daily basic needs of the people of their states.
Accepting immigrants and people with disabilities
By keeping the two words ‘accept’ and ‘protect’ in front of them, those who have the power to run public affairs encouraged service on a wider social level. The need to welcome the most disadvantaged, especially immigrants and people with disabilities, was emphasized. The Pope added that they will need more facilities to make their lives, and those they love, better, and above all to get the respect they deserve. Pappa said such inclusion possibilities would create much needed employment opportunities for many of them.
protect When explaining the term, the Pope drew their special attention to the need to protect the elderly and those at the end of their lives through self-care. The Pope also reminded us that if we try to kill sick people who often seem like they won’t get better, we will end up with more and more murders.
Cultural level
Saying that the cultural dimension is an important aspect of unity, Pope Francis drew attention to the fact that the events of the past have contributed not only to history and literature but also to political and economic views. Therefore, it is up to the rulers to make their territories sufficient to pass on the legacy to future generations, said the Pope.
Working for the holistic development of everyone
The Pope expressed his joy at the interest of public servants in some of the Church’s messages and their conviction of the participation they should take in the service of the people of their area. Pope Francis summarized the message by saying that the Church, together with them, wants to reach out to immigrants, the elderly and the sick, the most vulnerable in society, and offer the Church’s contribution to their work for promotion.
