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Pope Julius IV urges students to "resist the pull of materialism"
Fabria, the Ecclesiastical State
By Giacomo Bellucci, Papal Corespondent (@VeritasPolitica)
His Holiness Pope Julius IV addressing students in Cassinasco
His Holiness Pope Julius IV has reminded Catholics to be ever vigilant of decadence and greed in everyday life, while urging for daily acts of kindness and charity. Speaking to university students, the Holy Father warned that, “in life it is easy to lose focus, to allow the decadence and greed from wealth to blind us to our true callings for charity and compassion.”
The Holy Father spent most of today visiting the University of Cassinasco, speaking to students and staff. At midday, he addressed the entire student body, leading them in prayer in preparation for their final exams. But he also raised issue and warning of professional life.
“When you succeed here and venture out into the world of professional work, remember that you should always do so in a manner befitting of a Catholic. We must all venture into life resistant to the dangerous emotions and statuses of modern life, decadence, opulence, greed and materialism weaken the soul. That is not say that you should reap the rewards of your work and careers, but do so, ever vigilant of charity, compassion and care for those not as successful” he said to applause.
“As young people, you are the future of not only the Ecclesiastical State, but of Christ’s flock on Earth. You are the pioneers, tasked with leading and protecting the Faith and gospel in this century. And there are many pitfalls befalling all God-fearing Christians, especially those rooted in materialism and an obsession over wealth.
“We see across the Christian world the dangers and poisonous results of unbridled materialism, a sense of immunity from God’s heavenly judgement, a rejection and vilification of others, especially those less well-off, the elderly and diseased. A complete and total decay of morality and virtuosity, especially among those of landed status. We are all equal before God above and we all kneel at the same level; let that be the message that carries through the charitable revolutions of our souls” he said further.
He praised the university’s charitable efforts, with the Cassinasco Students Association of the Virgin Mother having raised $2.1 million in 2016 for soup kitchens and modernisation of the city’s social care facilities.
“This great and prestigious institution is a role model for all, it is a testament to the compassion and love all men possess. Showing such to those less fortunate, but as strong in faith and love in Christ is a deed worthy of the saviour. May God bless you all in future successes in such endeavours” he said to loud applause.
The Holy Father’s speech follows a similar one given by Cardinal Sciarra, who told an audience of business people that while wealth is an acceptable object, it is like a “dangerous toxic element, if treated differently to how we would all like, it will very quickly infect you with the spores of sinful corruption.”
“Obsession of wealth in that it provides individuals the means to pursue objects such as cars, watches, cosmetics and clothes, is what tears man from God, but wealth being used to live comfortably and support the needy is the surest way to guarantee salvation” he said further.
His Holiness elevated Cardinal Cornelio Cesare Sciarra to the position of Prefect-Superior for the Office of Spiritual Equality and Compassion, a body created by Pope Julius IV to promote charity and spiritual unity in the Ecclesiastical State. The OSEC has been successful in campaigning for such, but has also been a prominent public voice in the efforts to confront tax evasion and predatory business practices.
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