Pope Francis presided over the formal inauguration of the Vatican judicial year on Saturday, calling on those involved in the Vatican judiciary to be witnesses “of the immense heritage of values that characterize the mission of the Church”.
By Christopher Wells
At the beginning of the Vatican’s judicial year, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude and recognition 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 new reforms in the criminal sphere”, aimed mainly at combating and suppressing financial crimes; promote and accelerate international cooperation between Vatican institutions and other financial supervisory bodies; and other initiatives undertaken by the Vatican police.
The meaning and task of the Church
Pope Francis began his speech by recalling that the inauguration of the judicial year was taking place, due to anti-VID measures, in the Hall of Blessings, located between St. Peter’s Square and the main body of the Basilica. “In this unique position,” said Pope Francis, “one can see the meaning and the task of the Church”, established by Christ “to fulfill the mission of supporting the truth … and of ‘proclaiming, also by your own example , humility and self-sacrifice. ‘”
The Holy Father insisted on the “urgency” of identifying and introducing new forms of cooperation, at the request of financial supervision institutions, in order to obtain faster results in investigations. He expressed his hope that meetings at the appropriate levels can take place soon, in order to make collaboration more effective.
Inspired by 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 “the founding principles of ecclesial life”, while taking into account internationally recognized “best practices” .
He particularly emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the equality of all members of the Church, and their equal dignity and position, in the Vatican’s judicial system, calling for an end to privileges “that are no longer in line with the responsibilities of each . individual has in the building up of the Church ”.
A Witness Duty
Despite being a relatively small entity, the Vatican has a “particular duty of witness,” said the Pope. “We are called to witness, in a concrete and credible way, in our respective roles and tasks, the immense heritage of values that characterize the Church’s mission, to be ‘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 the development of their daily work, “they offer a precious contribution so that the Church, in this tiny Vatican City State, may set a good example of what it teaches in its social teaching. “
And he invited all “called to work for the cause of justice”, not to be afraid of “wasting time” in prayer, remembering that “only in prayer do we remove from God, from his Word, that inner serenity that allows us to fulfill our functions with magnanimity, fairness and vision. “
The eyes of justice look to the sky
Illustrating his message with an appeal to artistic tradition, Pope Francis noted that painting and sculpture represent justice by weighing and balancing opposing interests, on the one hand, while defending what is right, on the other. “Christian iconography then adds a detail of great importance to the previous artistic tradition,” he said: “The eyes of Justice are not blindfolded, but turned upwards, and look to Heaven, because only in Heaven is there true justice”.
Pope Francis said he hoped that, in the new judicial year, “this conscience will accompany and inspire” its listeners in their “daily work in the service of justice”. He said, “I pray for this and accompany them with my blessing,” before concluding his speech with a request that they, in turn, pray for him.