Pope Francis on Safeguarding Human Dignity

Pope Francis on Safeguarding: The Key to Protecting Human Dignity,

Pope Francis on Safeguarding Human Dignity.

Elon and his children during their visits' to Pope. But I thought Elon only have Lil X as his child, any idea some can tell me? pic.twitter.com/yjQcMmjmpV

— Smasher's Fx (@igbalaghemmanue) January 10, 2025

Address to Caritas Leaders

Pope Francis receiving the Presidents and National Directors of Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean. They had come to Rome for a training course on “safeguarding” that the Pope said was crucial for recognizing human dignity and shielding the vulnerable.

WHAT DOES “SAFEGUARDING” MEAN?

In Spanish, the Pope said the word “safeguarding” can encompass custody, protection and guarantee. He offered a second perspective: during wartime, commanders used the term to refer to a letter posted at the entrances of towns or on houses that signaled these places were not to be harmed.

The pope associated this idea with a biblical reference from the prophet Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, in which God tells an angel to mark with the line those who are bothered by injustice.

A Mark of Dignity

Caritas members, he pointed out, are called to “virtually leave this ‘mark’ on every person we meet, this mark that is God’s blessing to each one” as they recognize the dignity of each person as a brother and sister in Christ. This act recognizes the sufferings and injustices endured while asserting their worthiness.

A Divine Responsibility

Protection also speaks to God’s commandment, the pope continued: “Do not touch my anointed ones.” Safeguarding, he maintained, is akin to having Christ’s name inscribed on the forehead of every human person as well as in the hearts of those who aspire to share love through good deeds and care.

A Prayer for Guidance

In closing his address, Pope Francis invoked the intercession of Jesus to reward Caritas leaders’ work, of the Holy Spirit to guide them and of the Virgin Mary to protect them. He urged them to take a lesson from Mary about tending to and protecting others, compassionately.

This is not only a responsibility, but also a sacred work of faith, love and human dignity.

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