Pope Franics address to the Diplomatic Corps on the 12th January 2014, in the Sala Regia of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

“Fraternity is generally first learned within the family” which “by its vocation” is meant to “spread its love to the world” and “contribute to the growth of that spirit of service and sharing which builds peace”, the Pope said in his traditional meeting with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on the occasion of his New Year’s greeting. The Pontiff began by citing his Message for the World Day of Peace and referred to the Crib where “we see the Holy Family, not alone and isolated from the world, but surrounded by shepherds and the Magi, that is by an open community in which there is room for everyone, poor and rich alike, those near and those afar”. “The language of the family is a language of peace”, Pope Francis said, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI: “Sadly – he added -, this is often not the case, as the number of broken and troubled families is on the rise, not simply because of the weakening sense of belonging so typical of today’s world, but also because of the adverse conditions in which many families are forced to live, even to the point where they lack basic means of subsistence”. Hence, there is a need for “suitable policies aimed at supporting, assisting and strengthening the family”. 

Source: Agensir Europe