Pope
Benedict XVI on Saturday addressed pilgrims of Italy’s diocese of
Terni-Narni-Amelia to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul
II’s visit to the “Steel City”.
The southern Umbrian town of Terni is
home to Italy’s first steel plant which was visited by Pope John Paul II
on March 19th 1981: St. Joseph’s Day.
Speaking to pilgrims in
the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father recalled how the late Pope
presented himself at the plant as a “humble worker in the Lord’s
vineyard” and reminded all workers to trust in the protection of St
Joseph.
Pope Benedict went on to discuss how the current
economic crisis is putting stress on the city, its workers and their
families. He reiterated the words of Terni’s bishop, Monsignor Vincenzo
Paglia, saying that in times of hardship, one should turn to the Sunday
Eucharist as a source of joy, faith and passion to improve the world
Work, the Pope said, helps us be closer to God and to others.
The
Holy Father also spoke about the importance of safety in the workplace,
saying that every measure should be taken to avoid accidents and
preventable deaths.
In his concluding remarks, the Pope said the Church
encourages all efforts towards safe, dignified and stable work, and
expressed his closeness to the families of Terni.