VATICAN - Benedict XVI in Rome's Town Hall: “Rome must rediscover its most profound soul, its civil and Christian roots, if it wishes to promote a new humanism which focuses upon man, recognized in the fullness of his truth.”

Rome (Agenzia Fides) – On the morning of Monday, March 9, the Holy Father Benedict XVI went to visit Rome's Town Hall. He was welcomed by the City's Mayor Gianni Alemanno and later entered the Mayor's Study where he went out to the balcony that looks out to the Roman Forum. The Pope then greeted the functionaries and workers of the Palace who had come to see him in the Hall of Tapestries. Later, in the Hall of Flags, he signed the “Golden Book” of Rome. Then, in the “Julius Caesar” Hall, the President of the City Council opened the extraordinary meeting to take place.
After the greeting from the Mayor, the Holy Father gave a speech directed to the City Administrators, recalling above all the visits of his Predecessors, Blessed Pius IX on September 16, 1870, Pope Paul VI on April 16, 1966, and Pope John Paul II on January 15, 1998. “These visits are a testament to the affection and respect Peter's Successors, pastors of the Catholic community of Rome and of the universal Church, have always nourished for Rome, the center of Latin and Christian civilization", he said, while thanking the Mayor for his invitation and cordially greeting all those present.
“I am here today,” the Pope continued, “to encourage you in your difficult work as Administrators of this unique City; to share the hopes and expectations of the inhabitants and hear of the worries and problems that you become interpreters of in this Palace, which constitutes the natural and dynamic center of the projects that affect Rome in the third millenium...the Catholic Church, as always, will not fail to provide her active support for all cultural and social initiatives that seek to promote the authentic good of all people and of the city as a whole. As a sign of this collaboration, I wish to present the gift of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church that I present to the mayor and to the civic leaders of the city.”
Recalling how Rome has always been a welcoming city and has opened its doors to the universities and research centers, civil and church institutions, students from all over the world,” Benedict XVI reflected on the fact that “like Italy and the whole of mankind, it currently finds itself facing unprecedented cultural, social and economic challenges caused by the profound transformations and numerous changes of the last few decades.” Rome has come to be a multi-ethnic and multi-religious metropolis “in which integration is at times demanding and complex,” the Pope said, recognizing the Catholic community's “contribution in protecting the fundamental rights of individuals, while respecting the law... giving new life to the roots of its history, in the ancient law and the Christian faith, Rome will find the strength to ensure that everyone abides by the laws of civil coexistence, and to reject all forms of intolerance and discrimination.”
In his address, the Holy Father mentioned the recent episodes of violence that “deeper malaise. They are, I would say, a sign of the real spiritual poverty afflicting the heart of modern man. Eliminating God and His law, as a way of achieving man's happiness, has not in fact achieved its goal. On the contrary it deprives man of the spiritual certainties and the hope necessary to face the difficulties and challenges of everyday life...Rome must rediscover its most profound soul, its civil and Christian roots, if it wishes to promote a new humanism which focuses upon man, recognised in the fullness of his truth. Man, detached from God, loses his transcendent vocation. Christianity carries a shining message of the truth about man; and the Church, which is the depository of that message, is aware of her responsibility towards contemporary culture.”
As Bishop of Rome, the Holy Father showed his concern for those who, as a result of the present economic crisis, have lost their jobs and are living amidst precarious conditions. He called for “a harmonic effort among the various institutions in order to meet the needs of those living in poverty...the values of solidarity and generosity, which are rooted in the hearts of Rome's people, should be sustained by the light of the Gospel, so that all can take up responsibility for meeting the needs of the underprivileged, making them feel part of one and the same family.” He then spoke on the themes of the family, children, and the youth, who “can hope for a brighter future in so far as individualism makes room for fraternal collaboration among all the components of civil society and the Christian community.”
Concluding his speech, the Holy Father entrusted all those present to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Divine Child, the image that has, for centuries, watched over the City's Administrators with a mother's love. “To her I entrust each one of you, your work, and the good intentions that inspire you. May you always work in harmony at the service of this beloved City, in which the Lord has called me to exercise my episcopal ministry.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/3/2009)