Pope Leo XIV warned about the danger that gambling poses to many families during a Dec. 29 audience with members of the National Association of Italian Municipalities.<\/p>\n
At the beginning of his address, delivered in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the Holy Father explained that \u201cthe incarnation of the Son of God brings us face to face with a child, whose gentle fragility is in stark contrast to the crushing power of King Herod.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this context, he emphasized that \u201cthe massacre of the innocents ordered by him not only represents a loss of a future for society but is also a manifestation of an inhuman power that does not know the beauty of love because it disregards the dignity of human life.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the contrary, the pope explained that the birth of the Lord \u201creveals the most authentic aspect of all power, which is above all responsibility and service,\u201d and noted that all authority must \u201cembody the virtues of humility, honesty, and communion.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pontiff thus alluded to the public commitment of the Italian association, reminding them of the importance of listening \u201cas a social dynamic that activates these virtues,\u201d specifically \u201cto the needs of families and individuals, especially caring for the most vulnerable, for the good of all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV focused his attention on certain realities that require special attention, such as the difficulties faced by families and young people as well as the loneliness of the elderly and the \u201csilent cry of the poor.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this regard, he emphasized that \u201cour cities are not anonymous places but rather faces and stories that must be safeguarded like precious treasures.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also quoted\u00a0Venerable Giorgio La Pira, known as \u201cthe holy mayor\u201d of Florence, who maintained that his fundamental duty was to care for and alleviate anyone who was suffering. In this way, the pope stated that \u201csocial cohesion and civic harmony require, first and foremost, listening to the least among us\u00a0and the poor.\u201d<\/p>\n
He then urged the members of the National Association of Italian Municipalities to \u201cbecome models of dedication to the common good, fostering a social alliance for hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Problem of gambling addiction<\/p>\n
After lamenting that cities are experiencing forms of marginalization, violence, and loneliness \u201cthat demand to be addressed,\u201d Pope Leo specifically warned against gambling, \u201cwhich ruins many families.\u201d Citing the latest report from Caritas Italy, he emphasized that this type of gambling addiction is a \u201cserious problem of education, mental health, and social trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot forget other forms of loneliness from which many people suffer: mental disorders, depression, cultural and spiritual poverty, and social abandonment. These are signs that indicate how much hope is needed. To bear witness to it effectively, politics is called to forge authentically human relationships among citizens, promoting social peace,\u201d the pontiff said.<\/p>\n
He also urged that administrative activity promote \u201cthe talents of individuals, giving cultural and spiritual depth to cities.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the end of his address, he asked the members of the association to have \u201cthe courage to offer hope to the people, planning together the best future for their lands, in the logic of integral human development.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.<\/p>\n