The Holy Father expressed his closeness – and that of the Catholic Church – to workers during what he called a “very complex economic and social crisis.”
Pope Francis encouraged workers to turn to Saint Joseph for guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a Audience at the Vatican the Saturday.
“[T]he crisis can be approached as an opportunity to grow together in solidarity and quality of work,” he said during his meeting with members of the Italian Association of Leather Chemists. “May the example and intercession of Saint Joseph help you not to give in to discouragement, to use your talents and your great experience creatively to move forward and open new paths.
Pope Francis expressed his closeness – and that of the Catholic Church – to working people during what he called a “very complex economic and social crisis.”
“Many workers and families are living in difficult situations, made worse by the pandemic,” he said. “But the pandemic cannot and should not become an alibi to justify omissions in justice or security.”
He recommended concrete actions: to join “the wisdom of the elders and the enthusiasm of the young”.
“I imagine young people who are passionate about an original field like yours, and they need to find “veterans of the field” who have so much to teach, and not only on a technical level, but also on a human level. , he said. “For me, the challenge of this moment is the meeting between grandparents and grandchildren, without going through the parents perhaps; but it is a key meeting, and we must work so that the young meet the old.
Pope Francis opened his remarks by greeting the young people who were present.
“I like to see the mothers there, cuddling the children. It’s good when they come with the kids,” he said. “If they want to walk, let them; let them do what they want; and if they are hungry, let them eat! They are the kings.
The Pontiff emphasized a more personal connection with the members.
“Your profession applies scientific and technical knowledge to a craft activity that has an ancient tradition, both in Italy and in other countries, including mine, Argentina,” he said. “When I was young, I studied at a technical institute with a chemical address, and that brings me a little closer to your category.”
Due to the line of work of the members, the pope also spoke about the environment and the impact of using chemicals to treat materials.
“You too are therefore called to make your own specific contribution to the care of the common home; and you can do that precisely in the way you organize your own work,” he said. “For this purpose, being an association is very valuable, because you share your knowledge, your experience, as well as legal and technical updates; and so you help each other to grow together in a style of social and ecological responsibility.
