At his General Audience, held in the Courtyard of St. Damasus, Pope Francis reflected on the need to practice solidarity.
He explained that the pandemic has shown how closely connected we are as children of God. The pope said solidarity is the only way to emerge stronger from the current crisis and avoid falling into inequality, selfishness, injustice and marginalization.
Lastly, Pope Francis emphasized that the only cure for the interpersonal and social ills afflicting the world today is solidarity.
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing reflection on the current pandemic, we have seen how closely connected we are, dependent on one another precisely because we were created by God and share a common home. We can only emerge stronger from the present crisis if we do so together. The Church’s social doctrine thus speaks of the need for the virtue of solidarity.
Authentic solidarity is not just about offering help to others; it is a matter of justice; it requires a radical change in our thinking that looks to the good of the community, defends the right to life for all, and promotes a just sharing of the earth’s goods. The Biblical story of the Tower of Babel shows what happens when a society seeks to build its own way to heaven, forsaking God, losing sight of solidarity with the most vulnerable, and valuing things over relationships. This destructive “Babel syndrome” is countered by the event of Pentecost, where the gift of the Holy Spirit creates a harmonious unity in diversity for the true building up of society.
May the Spirit grant us the wisdom and creativity to find those forms of solidarity needed in our post-Covid world, for the healing of interpersonal and social ills, and the growth of the human family in fraternity, justice and peace.
I cordially greet the English-speaking faithful. My thoughts turn especially to young people returning to school in the coming weeks. Upon all of you and your families I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
