Working Together, we can Build a Fraternal, Just Society

VATICAN CITY - 15th January 2004

The administrators of the Italian region of Lazio, and the city and province of Rome were welcomed by the Pope this morning to the Vatican for the traditional exchange of New Year's greetings.

In his talk to the elected officials the Pope noted that "the difficulties that mark the current world situation are also felt in this land of ours. Difficult moments are, however, those in which the positive energies of a population and its representatives can and must more clearly emerge." He added that "the contribution of each person is indispensable in building a more just and fraternal society. Conflicts and tensions must be overcome together: It is necessary to fight together against terrorism which, sadly, also concerns this beloved city of ours."

Overcoming violence, stated John Paul II, can be done by building "a civilization of love. . And how can we not think of the family as the most important place to realize this civilization of love. The family represents the human space in which the person, from the very start of his existence, can feel the warmth of affection and grow in a harmonious way. Precisely for this reason we must salute political and administrative choices aimed at supporting the family nucleus, seen as a 'natural society based on marriage' , according to the Italian Constitution."

The Holy Father directed their attention to the "concrete interventions" needed in many sectors of society, especially for those people "in situations of acute need, the elderly who live alone, young people who have been abandoned, the weaker parts of society such as immigrants, and young people." He assured them that "parishes, religious communities, Catholic institutions and volunteers will continue to offer . their capillary contribution."