VATICAN - The Pope addresses circus artists and funfair people: “You have a singular example to offer as the Church which prays, listens, announces and builds brotherhood”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “You live among people of every social group with your performances and spectacles and activity. Doing this you offer concrete opportunities for gathering and bring different generations together in joy. Your occupation, certainly not easy, can offer a privileged opportunity for announcing authentic human values in the squares of the world”. This was part of an address which Pope John Paul II delivered to participants at the 7th international Congress for Pastoral care of circus people and funfair workers promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples received in audience on 16 December in the Vatican. The theme of the Congress, “Welcoming circus people and funfair workers: from diversity to differences in harmony”, was inspired by the Holy Father’s message for this year’s World Day for Migrants and Refugees.
“In times when all that counts appears to be frantic production and accumulating riches- the Pope said -, to spread joy and cheer is to bear witness to those non material values necessary for living in brotherhood and free giving of self. You have a singular example to offer as the Church which prays, listens, announces and builds brotherhood”. The Pope closed with a word of encouragement: “Your world of the Circus and the Funfair can become a frontier laboratory for the important themes of pastoral work, ecumenism, and encounter with members of other religions and a common effort to build universal brotherhood. I pray the Lord will assist you in your work which is not easy.” (S.L.) (17/12/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe 18; Parole 252)