At 9:00am this morning, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience a group of elected French politicians from the Rhône region and the Alps who are on a pilgrimage in Rome.
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Accompanied by Cardinal Philippe Barbarin and by the Bishops from the Province of Lyon, you are accomplishing a journey that prolongs the Jubilee of Mercy. On this occasion, I am pleased to cordially greet you and to briefly address you.
In the current international context, marked by frustrations and fear, intensified by the attacks and the blind violence that have so profoundly torn at your country, it is all the more important that you seek to develop a sense of the common good and of the public interest. Therefore, together with the Bishops of France, I would like to point out the necessity in a changing world, that we rediscover the meaning of politics. The Bishops have written this document now, and I remember that twenty years ago, the policy of redefining the policy did much good. Now, this other policy will also do good. Undeniably, French society is rich in potential and diversity that are called to become opportunities, provided that the republican values of liberty, equality and fraternity are not merely bandied about in an illusory way, but explored and understood in relation to their true transcendent foundations. Fully at play is a true debate concerning the values and orientations common to all. In this debate, Christians are called to participate along with all believers of other religions and all men of good will, even non-believers, in order to promote the growth of a better world.
In this sense, the search for the common good that is within you must lead you to listen with particular attention to all people in precarious positions, without forgetting migrants who have fled from their countries due to war, suffering and violence. In this way, in the exercise of your responsibility, you will contribute to the building of a more just and humane society, a friendly and fraternal society.
I entrust your journey to Christ, the source of our hope and our commitment to the common good, I invoke upon all of you, your families, your country and your Bishops who are accompanying you, the blessings of the Lord. Thank you.
Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for the audience with elected French politicians
from the Rhône region and the Alps
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Accompanied by Cardinal Philippe Barbarin and by the Bishops from the Province of Lyon, you are accomplishing a journey that prolongs the Jubilee of Mercy. On this occasion, I am pleased to cordially greet you and to briefly address you.
In the current international context, marked by frustrations and fear, intensified by the attacks and the blind violence that have so profoundly torn at your country, it is all the more important that you seek to develop a sense of the common good and of the public interest. Therefore, together with the Bishops of France, I would like to point out the necessity in a changing world, that we rediscover the meaning of politics. The Bishops have written this document now, and I remember that twenty years ago, the policy of redefining the policy did much good. Now, this other policy will also do good. Undeniably, French society is rich in potential and diversity that are called to become opportunities, provided that the republican values of liberty, equality and fraternity are not merely bandied about in an illusory way, but explored and understood in relation to their true transcendent foundations. Fully at play is a true debate concerning the values and orientations common to all. In this debate, Christians are called to participate along with all believers of other religions and all men of good will, even non-believers, in order to promote the growth of a better world.
In this sense, the search for the common good that is within you must lead you to listen with particular attention to all people in precarious positions, without forgetting migrants who have fled from their countries due to war, suffering and violence. In this way, in the exercise of your responsibility, you will contribute to the building of a more just and humane society, a friendly and fraternal society.
I entrust your journey to Christ, the source of our hope and our commitment to the common good, I invoke upon all of you, your families, your country and your Bishops who are accompanying you, the blessings of the Lord. Thank you.
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