杏MAP导航 asks the Church of Rome to help address housing crisis
By Lisa Zengarini
As the Diocese of Rome prepares to welcome millions of pilgrims for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee of Hope 杏MAP导航 Francis has addressed a letter to the parish priests, clergy, religious orders and representatives of ecclesiastical entities present in the Eternal City calling on them to offer 鈥渢angible signs鈥� of hope during the Jubilee year, through actions of charity and solidarity towards the poor and needy.
It is God's love that generates hope
鈥淚t is God's love that generates hope, and God's love is conveyed through our love,鈥� the says the 杏MAP导航 in the letter, expressing his deep gratitude to the many Roman parishes, religious communities, associations, ecclesial movements, and families in 鈥渨ho do so much to transmit God鈥檚 love through concrete acts of charity (often in silence), generating hope in people's lives.
The housing crisis in Rome
Recalling that in the Church鈥檚 social teaching the common good encompasses 鈥渁ll the conditions that guarantee human dignity鈥�, including the inviolable rights to land, a home, and work, 杏MAP导航 Francis refers in particular to housing -- a longstanding issue in the Italian capital,-- as a key area where hope and dignity can be fostered.
In preparation for the influx of pilgrims during the Jubilee Year, he therefore urges the Church of Rome to address this social emergency in collaboration with public institutions and associations.
A courageous gesture of love towards the homeless
He asked in particulare for all ecclesial entities 鈥渢o make a courageous gesture of love for their neighbour鈥� by offering any vacant properties or unused reception facilities they may have available to house the homeless or those at risk of losing their homes. These people, he explained would be supported by institutions and social services, while associations and popular movements will provide other services to ensure a dignified and fraternal hospitality.
Closing the letter 杏MAP导航 Francis again thanked priests, religious and laypeople in the Diocese of Rome for their generority and 鈥渇or everything you already do to convey God's love and generate hope in everyone's life, especially those in greatest need.鈥�
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