Pope calls for ‘breaking down the walls of hostility’ and the ‘logic of power’ in the world

Pope Francis assured this Saturday during an audience with thousands of Italian Red Cross volunteers that fraternity in the world is “possible” when dialogue tries to “break down the walls of hostility.”

“Your commitment, inspired by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, is also visible proof that fraternity is possible,” the pontiff told members of the Red Cross.

Francisco argued that “if one is at the center, one can dialogue, work together for the common good, overcoming differences and breaking down the walls of hostility and the logic of interests and power that make the other an enemy.”

The Pope received some eight thousand Red Cross volunteers in the Paul VI Hall to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the organization’s founding on June 15, 1864, as the “Committee of the Italian Association for the Relief of the Wounded and Sick in War.”

“In the face of the destruction and suffering caused by war, let us not forget that even today there has been a surge of humanity that has expressed itself in concrete gestures and actions of help and care, without distinction of nationality, social class, religion or political opinion. opinion”, praised.

Francis told the Italian Red Cross that its presence is “effective and valuable,” especially in situations where “the roar of arms drowns out the cry of the people, their desire for peace and their desire for the future,” for which he thanked the volunteers.

“For a believer, every person is sacred. Every person is loved by God and therefore has inalienable rights. Inspired by this conviction, many people of good will find themselves recognizing the supreme value of life, hence the need to protect the most vulnerable first,” he said.

The Pontiff said that “the most vulnerable are children” and recalled that many arrived in Italy from the war in Ukraine: “You know something? These children do not smile, they have forgotten how to smile. This is not beautiful for a human child. Think about it,” – he said.

The Argentine Pope thanked the Red Cross for its “indispensable service” in conflict zones or those affected by environmental disasters, as well as for helping migrants.

“Let the Red Cross always be a shining symbol of love between brothers and sisters, which has no geographical, cultural, social, economic or religious boundaries,” he urged.

Warning that “no context can be considered free of suffering,” Francisco called for “global solidarity operating at the national and international level.”

“We need standards that guarantee human rights everywhere, practices that foster a culture of communication among people who are able to see the world from an integrated perspective,” he said.

The pope read his speech without any problems, although he coughed from time to time due to breathing problems caused by the flu that have prevented him from delivering his sermons and messages in public in recent weeks.

Francisco showed up for an audience with Italian Red Cross volunteers in a wheelchair, which he usually uses because of known mobility problems, and greeted thousands of volunteers at length, even wearing the organization’s cap and bracelet.