Pope Francis Tells Military "In fulfilling your mission, let the awareness always accompany you that every person is loved by God, is his creature and as such deserves respect."
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GREETING FROM THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE MILITARY OF THE "GRANATIERI DI SARDEGNA" BRIGADE
ENGAGED IN THE "SAFE ROADS" OPERATION
Paul VI Hall
Saturday, June 11, 2022
____________________________________
Dear friends!
I am pleased to welcome you and extend my cordial welcome to each one. I greet the Commander, General Liberato Amodio, whom I thank for his words; I greet the officers and all of you, men and women of the Army who work in the streets of Rome to make it safer, more protected and more livable.
As part of the "Safe Roads" operation, you monitor sensitive areas and targets: institutional and diplomatic sites, airports, railway and subway stations, places of art, worship and religious interest. In this way, you guarantee a daily presence on the territory of the capital, which promotes a sense of tranquility in the population. For my part, I would like to express sincere gratitude to you for the discreet and important service you render to the Holy See, in conjunction with and jointly with the police forces, for the safeguarding of public order.
Your work around the Vatican City helps to ensure the smooth running of events which, throughout the year, attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is an activity that requires availability, patience, a spirit of sacrifice and a sense of duty. I realize that this type of work could sometimes be a bit exhausting - I think of summer, I think of the cold of winter -, however it is very useful for the community, which is grateful to you and appreciates you.
This commits you every day to correspond to the trust and esteem that people place in you. Therefore, I encourage you to be promoters of solidarity, both in the workplace and in personal and social life, helping people to be good citizens. The professionalism and sense of responsibility that you testify on the territory express and strengthen a sense of belonging to the social body, and also to the sense of the State and of the common good. In fulfilling your mission, let the awareness always accompany you that every person is loved by God, is his creature and as such deserves respect. May the grace of the Lord nourish the spirit with which you dedicate yourself to your work day by day, motivating you to live it with extra attention and dedication.
In recent years, the use of Italian Army personnel in the urban context has become a living and reliable reality. It is characterized by proximity to people - this is very important; people comment: “I asked, they explained everything…” -, collaboration in the prevention and fight against crime, support for activities connected to particular emergency situations. The various departments that have succeeded each other have rendered an important service to the country, contributing to the creation of a safer environment. Your “Grenadiers of Sardinia” Brigade is about to finish its task and give way to another military contingent. I renew my gratitude to all; and I love to think that your stay in Rome may have been a positive experience for human and professional growth, as well as a profitable time from a spiritual point of view.
At every exit and return to the Vatican, on the occasion of apostolic journeys, visits to some parish or community, I see you and I thank God for your dedication and for your presence, a security guard. I accompany you on your journey with my affection and my closeness. I entrust you to the maternal protection of Our Lady: you can always turn to her with confidence, especially in moments of tiredness and difficulty, sure that, as a most tender Mother, she will be able to present the needs and expectations of each one to her Son Jesus. She is a mother, and like all mothers she knows how to guard, how to cover, how to help, how to be close. I cordially bless you, together with your families. And I ask you to please pray for me. Thank you!
TO THE MILITARY OF THE "GRANATIERI DI SARDEGNA" BRIGADE
ENGAGED IN THE "SAFE ROADS" OPERATION
Paul VI Hall
Saturday, June 11, 2022
____________________________________
Dear friends!
I am pleased to welcome you and extend my cordial welcome to each one. I greet the Commander, General Liberato Amodio, whom I thank for his words; I greet the officers and all of you, men and women of the Army who work in the streets of Rome to make it safer, more protected and more livable.
As part of the "Safe Roads" operation, you monitor sensitive areas and targets: institutional and diplomatic sites, airports, railway and subway stations, places of art, worship and religious interest. In this way, you guarantee a daily presence on the territory of the capital, which promotes a sense of tranquility in the population. For my part, I would like to express sincere gratitude to you for the discreet and important service you render to the Holy See, in conjunction with and jointly with the police forces, for the safeguarding of public order.
Your work around the Vatican City helps to ensure the smooth running of events which, throughout the year, attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is an activity that requires availability, patience, a spirit of sacrifice and a sense of duty. I realize that this type of work could sometimes be a bit exhausting - I think of summer, I think of the cold of winter -, however it is very useful for the community, which is grateful to you and appreciates you.
This commits you every day to correspond to the trust and esteem that people place in you. Therefore, I encourage you to be promoters of solidarity, both in the workplace and in personal and social life, helping people to be good citizens. The professionalism and sense of responsibility that you testify on the territory express and strengthen a sense of belonging to the social body, and also to the sense of the State and of the common good. In fulfilling your mission, let the awareness always accompany you that every person is loved by God, is his creature and as such deserves respect. May the grace of the Lord nourish the spirit with which you dedicate yourself to your work day by day, motivating you to live it with extra attention and dedication.
In recent years, the use of Italian Army personnel in the urban context has become a living and reliable reality. It is characterized by proximity to people - this is very important; people comment: “I asked, they explained everything…” -, collaboration in the prevention and fight against crime, support for activities connected to particular emergency situations. The various departments that have succeeded each other have rendered an important service to the country, contributing to the creation of a safer environment. Your “Grenadiers of Sardinia” Brigade is about to finish its task and give way to another military contingent. I renew my gratitude to all; and I love to think that your stay in Rome may have been a positive experience for human and professional growth, as well as a profitable time from a spiritual point of view.
At every exit and return to the Vatican, on the occasion of apostolic journeys, visits to some parish or community, I see you and I thank God for your dedication and for your presence, a security guard. I accompany you on your journey with my affection and my closeness. I entrust you to the maternal protection of Our Lady: you can always turn to her with confidence, especially in moments of tiredness and difficulty, sure that, as a most tender Mother, she will be able to present the needs and expectations of each one to her Son Jesus. She is a mother, and like all mothers she knows how to guard, how to cover, how to help, how to be close. I cordially bless you, together with your families. And I ask you to please pray for me. Thank you!
FULL TEXT Source: Vatican.va - Translation from Italian - Image Screenshot Vatican Media
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