Pope Francis meeting the delegation of FOCSIV in the Vatican (ANSA)
By Lisa Zengarini
Nov 15 2022
Meeting some 150 members of the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Voluntary Service on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Pope Francis praises the Italian charity for its valuable contribution to development and peace in a world that has grown accustomed to war and hunger.
Pope Francis, on Monday, addressed the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Voluntary Service (FOCSIV), celebrating its 50th anniversary of foundation.
The network, which gathers 94 organizations committed to fighting poverty and promoting human dignity through development projects in over 80 countries , was founded in Italy in 1972.
A beautiful sign of brotherhood in a broken world
In his prepared remarks that were handed over to the those present, Pope Francis thanked the Italian charity for its “valuable contribution” to the fight against all forms of poverty and marginalization, for the the protection of human dignity and the development of local communities, which, he said, “shows that every little piece can build the great mosaic of brotherhood”.
Building the world together
The Pope also noted that FOCSIV’s motto – ‘A world to be built together, respecting creation, in which each person can fulfill himself in full dignity!’ – is “a very timely message in this historical moment” in which “the shadow of a Third World War hangs over the destiny of entire nations, with terrible consequences for people”.
Walking on the path of the Good Samaritan
Pope Francis then reflected on three objectives that characterize the organization, and should concern everyone: volunteering, peace, and integral development.
Noting that being a volunteer, is a “courageous sign of openness, towards our neighbour” based “on a deep-rooted attitude of solidarity” and brotherhood, the Pope remarked that FOCSIV shows that “it is possible to be ‘all brothers’ by embracing every human being that the Lord places on the paths of our lives”, like the Good Samaritan did.
Promoting peace
The Holy Father then dwuelled on the objective of peace, referring in particular to the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as in many other parts of the globe.
He remarked that nurturing and sharing peace with those theyis the most important “gift “that FOCSIV volunteers can bring with them, because “the world does not need empty words, but convinced witnesses and peacemakers open to dialogue “.
Forced migration one of the great evils our era
Finally, the Pope focused on FOCSIV’s commitment for development to bring about a dignified life for everyone, emphasizing that only the integral developmen of a person and of the context in which he or she lives”, allows the accomplishment of “a good life open to the future” at a personal and social level.
In this regard he highlighted that forced migration pushing million of desperate men, women and children to face “inhuman journeys and all kinds of violence” to seek a better future, can be prevented only by ensuring a real development in every country.
Pope Francis, therefore, encouraged FOCSIV volunteers to go forward boldly in their mission of taking care of the most vulnerable, like the Good Samaritan, in the awareness that “We cannot be indifferent to suffering; we cannot allow anyone to go through life as an outcast”.
Brotherhood vs the civilization of confrontation
In his off the-cuff speech POPE insisted on the crucial importance of their voluntary service promoting the Christian value of human brotherhood as opposed the “civilization of confrontation”, which has led to the current wars raging across the world.
27,000 volunteers
Since its foundation 50 years ago, FOCSIV has deployed some 27,000 volunteers and young people across the worldto carry out development projects in the social, health, agricultural, food, and educational fields. At the same time, the Federation promotes education campaigns and lobbying at institutional level in Italy to create awareness on social justice issues. – Vatican News
