This year marks 100 years since the establishment of the Italian Military Aeronautics. In the year of the anniversary, with several initiatives, Italian pilots and other aeronautics workers have looked back on their history and that of their country, which at the same time is intertwined with the history of Europe and the world. On Saturday, December 9, celebrating its anniversary with the Pope, representatives of the Italian military aeronautics looked at several perspectives from which this history can be read.
Inese Steinert – Vatican
First of all, it is the perspective of scientific progress that has transformed the life of mankind in these 100 years. The Pope noted that it has marked the world of “flying” with an extraordinary evolution of means and methods. But, as always, this progress has also created problems and disagreements. From poor aircraft, we have come to complex engineering systems that allow us to take to the skies and reach even those spaces that are beyond the borders of the globe. In this regard, Francis pointed out that research, innovation and new technologies should not be subject to the interests and abuse of power, but should always be directed to the integral good of man, the development of all peoples and greater justice.
The second perspective that was discussed during the meeting between the Pope and representatives of military aeronautics is service. If at first military aeronautics was needed mainly in the tragic moment of war, today, like other armed forces, aeronauts come to the rescue in many other contexts. The Pope mentioned cooperation with international institutions in humanitarian missions and peace support, natural disasters and other severe cases, including in less developed countries and those with less military potential.
Francis also remembered the contribution of the military during the Covid-19 crisis, supporting the hospital transport system and the vaccination campaign. Transport services are also needed in other urgent cases. The Pope assured that the contribution of military aeronautics brings honor to its members, it makes us realize the great importance of their service both for the homeland and for the wider human family.
The third perspective that Francis touched on is precisely the human perspective. Aeronauts protect, help and serve people. They are supported in this work by military chaplains. In addition, there are also training activities, specialization courses that help preserve the identity of public servants and citizens. The Pope noted that, after all, representatives of military aeronautics stand out for their zeal, courage and motivation, for their willingness to sacrifice their strength and sometimes even their lives. In this regard, Francis mentioned the 13 Italian airmen who were killed in Kindu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during a UN humanitarian transport.
At the end of his address, the Pope addressed this moment in time, which is marked by many conflicts. He said that humanity is the wealth that serves as the surest guarantee that life, justice and peace will be defended. The Holy Father bequeathed the Italian Military Aeronautics to the protection of Our Lady of Loreto, in whose honor Sunday’s liturgical commemoration will be dedicated.
2023-12-09 17:08:12
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