Pope Francis on Monday thanked the Vatican Public Security forces, an
Italian force established in 1945, for their “discreet but attentive”
supervision of areas around the Vatican, especially St. Peter’s Square.
The
Pope expressed his profound appreciation for their service, saying “we
are all aware of the need to work continuously to ensure that this
unique site is protected and that its character as a sacred and
universal space is preserved.”
He noted that thanks to them, the
pilgrims and tourists who flood the square “are serene, move tranquilly
about, enjoying a sense of peace.”
Observing that their work
calls for “technical and professional preparation together with
attentive surveillance and kindness and dedication,” he pointed to the
times when large numbers of pilgrims flock to St. Peter’s Basilica to
pray at the tombs of Saint Peter “and those of his successors,
especially John XXIII and John Paul II.”
“Pilgrims and tourists,”
he said, “just as those who work in the various offices of the Holy
See, know they can count on your cordial assistance.”
Pope
Francis thanked them especially for their “effective activity carried
out during the days that preceded the Conclave, following the
resignation of Pope Benedict” and reiterated his appreciation for the
contributions of all those who helped make that period of transition
pass in a smooth and orderly fashion.
He expressed his hope that
the period they work in the Vatican will be for each one of them “an
opportunity to grow in the faith.” “The faith is the most precious gift
that your families have given to you and you are called to transmit it
to your children.”
“It is important,” the Pope concluded, “to
rediscover the message of the Gospel” and to assimilate it in their
daily lives, giving “courageous witness to God’s love” in every
environment, even in the workplace.”