Pope Francis presided over the formal inauguration of the Vatican’s judicial year on Saturday, calling on those employed in the Vatican judiciary to witness “the immense heritage of values that characterize the Church’s mission.”
By Christopher Wells
At the beginning of the Vatican’s judicial year, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the work of the judiciary, especially in light of the reforms made in recent years. “These changes,” said the Pope, “will be more fruitful as they are accompanied by further reforms in the criminal sphere,” aimed primarily at combating and cracking down on financial crime; promoting and accelerating international cooperation between the Vatican institutions and other financial supervisory bodies; and other initiatives taken by the Vatican police.
The meaning and task of the Church
Pope Francis began his speech by noting that the inauguration of the judicial year took place, due to anti-Covid measures, in the Hall of Blessings, located between St. Peter’s Square and the main body of the Basilica. “In this singular position,” said Pope Francis, “one can see the meaning and task of the Church,” established by Christ, “to fulfill the mission of upholding the truth… And to proclaim, even by his own example, humility and self-sacrifice. ‘”
The Holy Father insisted on the “urgency” of identifying and introducing new forms of cooperation, as requested by financial supervision institutions in order to obtain faster results in investigations. He expressed hope that meetings at the appropriate levels could take place soon to make collaboration more effective.
Inspired by the principles of ecclesial life
At the same time, Pope Francis noted that measures aimed at “absolute transparency of the institutional activities of the Vatican State” must be inspired by “fundamental principles of ecclesial life”, also taking into account “internationally recognized best practices”. .
He stressed in particular the importance of ensuring the equality of all members of the Church and their dignity and equal position in the Vatican’s judicial system, calling for the cessation of privileges “that are no longer in accordance with the responsibilities of each individual in building the Church.”
A witness duty
Despite being a relatively small entity, the Vatican still has a “special duty to testify,” the pope said. “We are called to witness, concretely and credibly, in our respective roles and tasks, the immense heritage of values that characterizes the mission of the Church, the fact that it is” salt and light “in society and in the international community, especially in times of crisis. like the current one. ”
He urged those present to reflect on the fact that, in carrying out their daily work, they “make a valuable contribution so that the Church, in this very small Vatican state, can set a good example of what she teaches in the magisterium.” its social. ”
And he invited all those “called to work for the cause of justice,” not to be afraid to “waste time” in prayer, noting that “only in prayer do we draw from God, from His Word, that inner serenity which allows us to we perform our duties with generosity, fairness and foresight. ”
The eyes of justice look to the sky
Illustrating his message with a call to artistic tradition, Pope Francis noted that painting and sculpture represent justice as a weighing and balancing of opposing interests, on the one hand, while defending what is right on the other. “Christian iconography then adds to the earlier artistic tradition a detail of no small importance,” he said. “The eyes of righteousness are not blindfolded, but look up and look to Heaven, for there is true justice only in Heaven.”
Pope Francis said he hoped that in the new judicial year, “this awareness would accompany and inspire” his listeners in “their daily work in the service of justice.” He said, “I pray for this and I will accompany you with my blessing,” before concluding his address with a request that they, in turn, pray for him.