The initiative was organized under the title “Unforgettable Rome”, at midnight on Thursday, in commemoration of the two terrorist attacks carried out by mafia gangs. The two explosions, which took place within five minutes of each other, left twenty-two injured.
The Supreme Pontiff began his message by expressing his spiritual solidarity with the people participating in the evening of prayer organized by the Diocese of Rome for the occasion, also expressing his closeness to the authorities participating in this initiative. After that, Francis confirmed that this cowardly act, which took place at midnight on the twenty-seventh of July, 1993, shocked the Eternal City, and caused tremors in the hearts of believers throughout the Catholic world, especially the Roman believers.
The Pope recalled that those dark years marked the social history of the beloved Italian nation, which witnessed serious abuses and acts of violence against official institutions and servants of the state. At the time, the population felt powerless over what the country had been exposed to, especially the segments of society that suffer more than others as a result of human and material poverty.
After that, Pope Francis confirmed that today, more than ever, it is the duty of every person to express his gratitude towards those who did their duty at the risk of their lives, including those who sacrificed themselves for the sake of others. The Pontiff pointed out that the sacrifice made by those who believed in and defended the founding values of democracy, the values of justice and freedom, today speak to people’s consciences so that everyone feels that they are responsible in the process of building the new civilization of love.
The Pope’s message was not without reference to the prophetic words uttered by the late Pope John Paul II, during his historic visit to Agrigento, Sicily, a few months before the two attacks that we remember today, on May 9, 1993. At the end of the celebration of the Mass, Pope Voitiwa called for achieving the harmony and peace that all peoples aspire to, and also called for building a civilization of life.
From this standpoint, Pope Bergoglio urged everyone to confront every form of illegality and violations that our contemporary societies suffer from. He said that today the common good is at stake, and in particular the fate of the most vulnerable groups of society, and marginalized people who suffer from injustice of all kinds.
In his message, the Pope addressed the young men, saying that they are the hope for a beautiful future, and stressed the need for them to arm themselves with courage away from fears, especially since mafia gangs are rooted in environments where fear dominates minds and hearts. The Supreme Pontiff also addressed all the people who participated in the evening of prayer and circling with torches, stressing that they are called to be an effective supporter for changing the mentality, a ray of hope in the midst of darkness, and a testimony to freedom, justice and integrity.
Francis also wished that all persons in responsible positions, ecclesiastical and civil, work actively to promote a new humanism. And he said to the young men: Do not hesitate to stand with kindness and compassion on the side of needy people, especially those residing in the suburbs, responding to the invitation of the teacher who said that whatever we do for one of his little brothers, we do it with him.
At the end of his message, Pope Francis wrote that he prays to the Lord, asking Him to accompany everyone in the darkness of the night, while carrying torches that symbolize faith, and to make them a light in the beloved diocese of Rome.
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2023-07-28 08:49:00
