In religious orders "perhaps the way of exercising the service of authority needs to be reviewed. In fact, it is necessary to be vigilant against the danger that it could degenerate into authoritarian, sometimes despotic forms, with abuses of conscience or spirituality which are also propitious ground for sexual abuse , because people and their rights are no longer respected".
Thus the Pope, for whom there is also "the risk that authority is exercised as a privilege, for those who hold it or for those who support it, therefore also as a form of complicity between the parties, so that everyone does what they want, favoring thus paradoxically a kind of anarchy".
In the written speech delivered by the Pontiff during the audience to the participants in the 98th Assembly of the Union of Superiors General (Usg), Francis hopes "that the service of authority will always be exercised in a synodal style, respecting proper law and the mediations that in order to avoid both authoritarianism and privileges, it provides for 'letting go'; fostering a climate of listening, respect for others, dialogue, participation and sharing".
According to the Pope, "consecrated persons, with their testimony, can contribute much to the Church in this process of synodality that we are experiencing. Provided that you are the first to experience it: to journey together, to listen to each other, to value the variety of gifts, to be welcoming communities".
In this perspective, he points out, "
the suitability and aptitude assessment processes are also included, so that a generational renewal at the helm of the institutes can take place in the best possible way.
Without improvisations". In fact, according to the Pontiff "the understanding of current problems, often new and complex, requires adequate formation, otherwise one does not know exactly where to go and one "navigates by sight".
Furthermore, "a reorganization or reconfiguration of the institute must always be done in order to safeguard communion, so as not to reduce everything to the amalgamation of circumscriptions, which can then prove not easily manageable or cause for conflicts".
In this regard, Francis concludes, "it is important that the superiors be careful to avoid that some people are not well occupied, because this, in addition to damaging the subjects,
"Unfortunately women very often not only find themselves facing certain situations of violence but then when the case is reported they do not get justice or the times of justice are too long, interminable. We need to be vigilant about this, improve without falling into justicialism".
Thus the Pope. "The State must guarantee that the case is accompanied at every stage and that the victim can obtain justice as soon as possible. And women must be 'rescued', that is, it must be ensured that they are safe from current threats and also from recurrences which unfortunately are frequent even after a possible sentence".
Receiving in audience at the Vatican the members of the Central Anti-Crime Directorate, led by the police chief Lamberto Giannini, the Pope said he was happy to be able to meet them "just after the International Day for the elimination of violence against women, promoted by the Unite".
"This year - he underlined - the theme is a call to unite in the struggle to free women and girls from the various forms of violence, which unfortunately is permanent, widespread and transversal to the social body".
The Pontiff thanked "both for the work you carry out with professional and human commitment, and because, by asking to meet me in this circumstance, you draw everyone's attention to the
the need to join forces for this goal of dignity and civilization". And also "for the service you do every day to Italian society". Unfortunately, Francis continued, "the news continually brings us news of violence against women and girls.
And you are an institutional point of reference to counter this painful reality". "There are many women among you - she then observed -, and this is a great resource: women who help other women, who can better understand them, listen to them, support them" "I imagine how demanding it must be for you, as women, to bear within yourself the weight of the situations you encounter, and which involve you on a human level - the Pope acknowledged -.
I think how precious a targeted psychological preparation is for this job.
AND,
I take the liberty of adding, also spiritual, because only at a profound level can one find and preserve a serenity and calm that allow confidence to be conveyed to those who are victims of brutal violence". In this regard, the Pontiff recalled "that inner strength" shown by "many Christian women, some of whom we venerate as martyrs: from Agata and Lucia to Maria Goretti and Sister Maria Laura Mainetti". For Pope Bergoglio, this year's International Day "calls us to unite to fight all forms of violence against women": and "a specialized body, however efficient, is not enough to win this battle;
the work of contrast and the necessary repressive actions are not enough". "We need to unite, collaborate, create a network: and not just a defensive network,
but above all a preventive network!
- he recalled - This is always decisive when trying to eliminate a social scourge that is also linked to cultural attitudes, mentalities and rooted prejudices".
Pope Francis has appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union Msgr.
Noel Treanor, hitherto bishop of Down and Connor (Ireland), at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop.
The Bulletin of the Press Office of the Holy See made it known.