(June 20,2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday voiced concern at the effects of the economic crisis, especially on the youth. During a day-long visit to tiny Republic of San Marino, nestled on the eastern slopes of Italy's Apennine Mountains, Pope Benedict called for attention to be paid to "the crisis affecting numerous families" and the difficulties of educating today's youth hit by "the precariousness of their role in society and in the prospect of finding a job". The Pope voiced his concern during a Mass for some 22,000 people at the stadium in Serravalle, a village at the foot of the San Marino fortress. Many in the crowd waved flags and wore t-shirts and caps in the Vatican's yellow and white colours. Earlier Pope Benedict flew in a helicopter from the Vatican to Torraccia, where San Marino Bishop Luigi Negri greeted him before boarding the Popemobile to ride to Serravalle for the Mass. In his pronouncement, Pope Benedict warned against "hedonism and the greed of power".
Before reciting the ‘Angelus’ Marian prayer at the end of the Mass the Pope reminded all of Monday’s World Refugee Day, and appealed for refugees saying they deserve a dignified welcome from countries receiving them, until they can return home freely and safely. Recalling this year’s 60th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the Pope invited civil authorities and every person of good will to ``guarantee a welcome and dignified living conditions'' for refugees.
Later on Sunday the Pope held a prayer meeting with some 4 thousand young people in the town of Pennabilli. Bishop Luigi Negri of San Marino noted how young people are the weakest link in the local Church and society, of how they are victims of the manipulations of a ‘bad culture and bad teachers’ that dominated society and its institutions. Pope Benedict encouraged the young people not to be afraid of facing difficult situations, moments of crisis and life’s trials, remembering the Lord is with them. Rather than allowing scientific and technological tools substitute the life and the richness of relationships of friendship and love, they should allow themselves to be illuminated by the mystery of Christ.
Earlier, Pope Benedict asked local authorities to give greater support and recognition to families. He warned against attempts to undermine the fundamental value of the institution of the family, which he said marginalises young generations and the weakest in society. The family alone, he said, can nurture mature and responsible people with deep and perennial values. The Holy Father also encouraged the San Marino community in the current economic crisis, expressing his concern for those workers who have seen their labour rights undermined by the precarious nature of today’s job market.
